Human Rights-Based Intelligence Operations - Commission on ...

3.1 Guiding Principles in
<strong>Intelligence</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>
“Our soldiers and marines understand that whether NPA, Abu Sayyaf, or criminals; they
have rights and are entitled to the protection of the law.”...
“We are the AFP of all, not only of the law-abiding Filipinos, but also of those needing more
attention and greater understanding”.
- Excerpt from the CSAFP Command Message 02-09 dated 13 July 2009
The primary mandate of intelligence is to
collect, process, evaluate and disseminate
intelligence to the end users in accordance
with the law. It is basically information
gathering and production of intelligence to
be used by the different AFP units. (AFPM
2-011, 2007)
<strong>Human</strong> <strong>Rights</strong>-<strong>Based</strong> <strong>Intelligence</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>
(HR-BIO) underscores the respect for the
preservation of life, liberty, security, human
dignity, equality, and rule of law while
accomplishing the objectives of intelligence
missions. The following are the guiding
principles on the conduct of all intelligence
operations:
1. Paramount consideration of the safety of
civilians
In engaging the enemy, avoid, or if it cannot
be avoided, minimize collateral damage by
way of incidental injury or loss of life to
civilians and damage to private property.
2. Inclusion of human rights protection in
all intelligence activities
The commanding officer is responsible in the
supervision, promotion and implementation
of the HR and IHL principles. Briefings and
debriefings should be conducted prior to
and after all intelligence operations/activities
stressing the importance of observing human
rights protection.
3. Adherence to the Rule of Law
All intelligence personnel must adhere and
be familiar with the principles of HR and
IHL and related provisions of the Revised
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