Philippines
Practice Relating to Rule 7. The Principle of Distinction between Civilian Objects and Military Objectives
The Philippine Army Soldier’s Handbook on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (2006) provides:
During an engagement:
1.
Know how to distinguish a civilian object from a military objective. There are references that deal with the International Humanitarian Law and the Law Governing Armed Conflicts. Yet the best tool in distinguishing a civilian object from a military objective is your common sense, good judgment and conscience.
The Soldier’s Rules (1989) of the Philippines instructs soldiers: “Fight only enemy combatants and attack only military objectives.”
The Philippines’ AFP Standing Rules of Engagement (2005) states: “[C]ivilian population centers, public utilities and other non-military structures, shall be protected and shall not be attacked except when they are used for military purposes.”
The Philippines’ AFP Standing Rules of Engagement (2005) state:
8. General Rules for the Correct Use of Force towards Mission Accomplishment
…
g. … civilian population centers … shall be protected and shall not be attacked except when they are used for military purposes.