Marikina City — Numerous Red Cross delegates nationwide conducted Saturday a "Walk for Humanity" to commemorate the 6oth Anniversary of the International Humanitarian Law.

Justice Leonor Ines Luciano, Board of Governor and Chairperson of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) led delegates of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in Saturday's celebration with the theme, “Geneva Convention Humanity Amidst Armed Conflict," intended to increase awareness of the basic principles of the IHL, particularly in times of armed conflict.

The activity, held at the Marikina Sports Complex, was participated in by hundreds of thousands of PNRC supporters from the youth sector, volunteers, local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Justice Luciano underlined that Walk for Humanity aims to intensify awareness that agencies like the PNRC and the IHL exist to provide protection not only to combatants and soldiers but also to civilians all over the country.

"We have doctors to treat and provide them with services; we offer blood donation and provide safekeeping to those in danger by putting them in safe places, among other services," Luciano said.

For his part, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando lauded the successful Walk for Humanity and for choosing the City of Marikina as venue for celebrating the IHL Anniversary.

It was gathered that Saturday's celebration also coincided with similar Walks for Humanity in Red Cross chapters in other such areas as Masbate, Siquijor, Iloilo City, Butuan City, Laoag City, Zamboanga City, General Santos and in the National Capital Region.

The IHL is a set of rules placing restrictions on the use of weapons and methods of warfare. It protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities.

The IHL month is observed every August of each year.

Various delegates, representing such government agencies as the Department of Education (Marikina Division), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of National Defense (DND), Philippine National Police (PNP) and students from different Manila colleges and universities likewise participated.