MANILA (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III ordered Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to crush insurgency nationwide without trampling upon human rights of rebels and innocent civilians alike.

"His initial instruction is for us to continue our mission, pursue and neutralize traditional enemies of the State but the foremost consideration in conducting this is human rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta, responding to a query on the President's orders for AFP.

Among State enemies Mabanta cited are Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New People's Army as well as Abu Sayyaf Group.

Such groups have been engaged in armed conflict with government for years.

Malacanang is optimistic the order for conformance to IHL will enable AFP to further observe and protect human rights which the military and not rebels alone allegedly violates.

IHL defines the conduct and responsibilities of warring nations and individuals in relation to each other and to civilians.

Mabanta assured AFP Chief of Staff (COS) Lt. Gen. Ricardo David's determination to carry out the order for anti-insurgency action that's rights-based.

"Our COS is bent on pursuing this - it's not only lip service," he said.

Mabanta noted AFP continues strengthening its human rights office.

AFP believes this will further increase its entire personnel's awareness and understanding of human rights.

"We want AFP to internalize human rights protection," Mabanta said.

He also assured AFP will either punish or reform as needed its personnel found guilty of human rights violations.

"We need to set the example," he said.

To boost its bid to internalize human rights, AFP earlier sought the assistance of Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

CHR continues assisting AFP in educating the military on human rights.