From 28 November to 1 December, the ICRC jointly organized the 2nd Asia-Pacific Police Colloquium with the Philippine National Police (PNP). Held in Manila, the event's theme was "Early Stages of Detention and Humanitarian Considerations". The colloquium underscored the significance of mutual understanding and cooperation to mitigate these humanitarian risks.
Over 50 senior police officers represented 13 countries in the region, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Maldives. Organizations such as the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) and Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) were also represented.
Brigadier General Vincent Calanoga, chief of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office, and BJMP Senior Superintendent Dennis Rocamora attended the event. Other officers from the the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were also in attendance.
In addition to presentations on the detention-related work and sexual violence, the ICRC also facilitated discussions on ill treatment in police custody, as well as methods for detection, response and measures for its mitigation and prevention.
Colloquium Highlights