President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at Malacañan Palace on August 19 for a courtesy call focused on deepening cooperation and promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The two leaders discussed the Philippines’ role in advancing IHL across the Asia-Pacific region and its importance in fostering peace and dialogue amid global humanitarian crises and armed conflicts.

President Marcos reaffirmed the country’s commitment to IHL, stating, 

> “Upholding international humanitarian law largely rests on the firm resolve of national governments… We bear the responsibility of translating international commitments into domestic policies and practices to protect the most vulnerable.”

Spoljaric praised the Philippines’ leadership in ASEAN and its potential to support ceasefire dialogues in conflict-affected regions.

The meeting followed the IHL Asia Pacific Regional Conference held August 11–14, co-hosted by the Philippines and ICRC. The event highlighted the country’s efforts, including the creation of a permanent Inter-Agency Committee on IHL through Executive Order No. 77.

The Philippines is one of only six Asia-Pacific nations with a standing IHL committee.

The ICRC and the Philippines share a longstanding partnership dating back to World War II, working together to provide humanitarian aid during armed conflict, disasters, and other emergencies. In the country, ICRC focuses on protecting civilians, visiting detention facilities, promoting humane treatment, and reconnecting separated families.

ICRC operates offices in Manila, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, and the Visayas, and works closely with the Philippine Red Cross, its key partner since the 1970s.

Founded in 1863 and based in Geneva, the ICRC is a neutral, independent humanitarian organization with 18,000 staff in over 100 countries, dedicated to protecting lives and dignity in times of conflict and promoting respect for IHL.