DOJ prosecutors undergo online seminar on international humanitarian law

August 21, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) underwent a three-day online seminar on international humanitarian law (IHL) as part of efforts to strengthen their capacity to handle cases involving armed conflict and serious violations of humanitarian law.

The DOJ-National Prosecution Service (NPS), through its Special Projects Division, conducted the 9th Specialized Course on International Humanitarian Law from August 18 to 20 via Zoom.

The online course covered key principles and legal issues prosecutors may encounter in cases involving armed conflict.

Among the topics discussed were the basics of IHL, classification of armed conflicts, Philippine laws implementing humanitarian law, war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and the protection of children in armed conflict.

The course also tackled criminal liability under IHL by providing prosecutors with a framework for applying international humanitarian law in both international and Philippine legal settings.

The DOJ-NPS used lectures, case studies, panel discussions and collaborative online activities to deepen the participants’ understanding of IHL and its practical application.

The training was aimed at enhancing the expertise of prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting offenses arising from armed conflicts while ensuring that applicable humanitarian and human rights standards are observed.

The DOJ-NPS said the initiative forms part of its continuing effort to equip prosecutors with the knowledge and skills needed to promote justice and accountability and protect human rights during armed conflict.#