\' , 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
211 
s. No. ----'.::...:::..:=__ 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The landmine problem is not much felt in the Philippines because of its 
limited and largely discriminate use (so far) in the internal armed conflicts with 
various rebel groups. However, this bill is being proposed to be the main policy 
expression of the Philippines' compliance with its international obljgations under 
the two 1(2) treaties it has ratified, namely: 
_I the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, 
Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their 
Destruction (hereinafter referred to as the Ottawa Treaty) 
-
the 1996 Amended Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on 
the-Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices (hereinafter 
referred to as the "Amended Protocol II") annexed to the 1980 
Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of 
Certain Conventional Weapons which May be Deemed to be 
Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. 
Under both treaties, State Parties like the Philippines are obliged to take 
all appropriate legislative and other measures to implement the treaties and 
suppress violations of the prohibitions and restrictions on the use of landmines, 
booby traps and other devices. 
But the Philippines must not only implement both treaties. It must also 
reconcile its implementation. This is because the Ottawa Treaty provides for a 
total ban on anti-personnel mines, while Amended Protocol II merely restricts or 
regulates the use of all mines, whether anti-personnel or anti-vehicle. 
The 
Philippines, 
through 
this 
measure, 
resolves 
whatever 
conflict 
in 
the 
implementation and application of both treaties in favor of a total ban on anti-
personnel mines (see Section 2, Paragraph 6 and Section 23, Paragraph 2). 
More so, this bill seeks not only to address its own relatively small 
. land mine problem in its internal armed conflicts but also to contribute to the 
overall humanitarian effort to solve the global scourge of anti-personnel mines. 
After all, the Philippines has a tradition of adherence to the international rule of 
law, human rights and international humanitarian law, as shown by its 
Constitution, jurisprudence and accession to a good number of relevant treaties. 
1 


This bill likewise shows that where a state adheres to both the Ottawa 
Treaty and Amended Protocol II, it makes sense to have only one national 
legislation on landmines which reconciles the implementation of both treaties. 
The "Philippine Comprehensive Law on Landmines" bill is a consolidation 
of the aillplicable provisions of both the Ottawa Treaty and Amended Protocol II 
with a number of innovative features, to wit: 
I 
1. 
definition of anti-personnel mines based on impact or effect, not 
just on design; clarification as victim-activated, not command-
detonated; inclusion of improvised explosive devices, anti-vehicle 
mines with anti-handling devices, anti-vehicle mines with the same 
effect as anti-personnel mines, and Claymore mines activated by 
tripwire (Section 4, Paragraph 2) 
2. 
technical definition of command-detonation, otherwise it is victim-
activated (Section 4, Paragraph 3) 
3. 
application of the total ban on anti-personnel mines to their transit 
and carrying by visiting foreign military vessels and forces (Section 
2, Paragraph 8; Section 3, Paragraph 8; Section 5, Paragraph 5) 
4. 
universal jurisdiction and extraterritorial application (Section 2, 
Paragraph 10; Section 3, Paragraph 7) 
5. 
zero retention of anti-personnel mines (Section 5, Paragraph 3) 
6. 
ban on technology transfer regarding anti-personnel mines (Section 
4, Paragraph 16; Section 5, Paragraph 4; Section 9, Paragraph 4) 
7. 
provisions for compliance by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 
including the development and use of alternatives to anti-per50nnel 
mines for perimeter defense of field detachments, and ensuring 
that Claymore mines, if ever, are usable and used in command-
detonated mode only (Section 16) 
8. 
provisions for compliance by rebel groups, including inclusion of the 
landmines agenda in peace processes with them (Section 16) 
9. 
creation of a Philippine Coordinating Committee on Landmines 
(Section 21) 
to. 
international law references for application and interpretation of 
this Law (Section 23) 
In view of the afore-mentioned reasons, 
therefore earnestly requested. 
2 
of this bill is 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
). 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 211 
Introduced by Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A TOTAL BAN ON ANTI-PERSONNEL LANDMINES, FOR 
OTHER 
PROHIBITIONS 
OR 
RESTRICTIONS 
ON 
THE 
USE 
OF 
LANDMINES, BOOBY-TRAPS AND OTHER DEVICES, CREATING FOR 
THIS PURPOSE A PHILIPPINE COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 
LANDMINES, AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled: 
I 
Srction 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known ,as the "Philippine 
Comprehensive Act on Landmines of 2013". 
Section 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies -
1. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national poliCY, 
adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of 
the land and adheres to a policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation 
and amity among all nations; 
2. 
Among the generally accepted principles of international law 
incorporated into Philippine law are the rules and principles of land warfare and 
of international humanitarian law- under the Hague Conventions and the Geneva 
Conventions, and human rights as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights; 
3. Among the generally accepted principles of international humanitarian 
law, also applicable to landmines, are that the right of the parties to an armed 
conflict to choose methods or means of warfare is not unlimited, that the 
employment in armed conflicts of weapons, projectiles and materials and 
3 


methods of warfare of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary 
suffering is prohibited, and that a distinction must be made between civilians and 
combatants; 
4. The Philippines wishes to contribute to the overall humanitarian effort 
to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines that 
kill or maim hundreds of people, mostly innocent and defenseless civilians and 
especially children, every week world-wide, obstruct economic development and 
reconstruction, inhibit the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, 
and havJ other severe consequences for years after emplacement; , 
5.1 The Philippines shall take all appropriate measures 'to implement and 
to reconcile the implementation of the two international treaties dealing with 
landmines which it has ratified: the Ottawa Treaty and the Amended Protocol II; 
6. As far as anti-personnel mines are concerned, the Philippines adopts a 
total ban, pursuant to the Ottawa Treaty, not just restriction or regulation under 
Amended Protocol II; 
7. Pursuant to this total ban on anti-personnel mines, the Armed Forces 
of the Philippines shall effect the corresponding changes in its military doctrine, 
including the development and use of alternatives for perimeter defense of its 
field detachments; 
8. The total ban on anti-personnel mines shall apply to their transit and 
carrying by visiting foreign military vessels and forces, including in joint military 
exercises, in Philippine territory; 
9. The inclusion of the landmines agenda in peace processes with rebel 
groups in the Philippines shall be pursued; 
10. As in cases of war crimes, there shall be universal jurisdiction over 
and extraterritorial application of this law to persons, whether Filipino or foreign, 
who commit the prohibited acts abroad. 
Section 3. Scope of Application -
1. This law relates to the use on land of the mines, booby-traps and other 
devices, defined herein, including mines laid to interdict beaches, waterway 
crossings or river crossings, but does not apply to the use of anti-ship mines at 
I 
sea or if inland waterways. 
' 
2. This law shall apply, in addition to situations referred to in Article 1 of 
the 1980 Weapons Convention, to situations referred to in Article 3 common to 
the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. 
This law shall not apply to 
4 


situations of internal disturbances and tensions, such as riots, isolated and 
sporadic acts of violence and other acts of a similar nature, as not being armed 
conflicts. 
3. In case of armed conflicts not of an international character occurring in 
the territory of the State, each party to the conflict shall be bound to apply the 
prohibitions and restrictions of the law. 
4. Nothing in this law shall be invoked for the purpose of affecting the 
sovereignty of the State or the responsibility of the Government, by all legitimate 
means, to maintain or re-establish law and order in the State or to defend the 
national unity and territorial integrity of the State. 
5. Nothing in this law shall be invoked as a justification for intervening, 
directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the armed conflict or in the 
internal or external affairs of the State in the territory of which conflict occurs. 
6. The application of the provisions of this law to parties to a conflict, 
which are not States that have accepted this Protocol, shall not change their 
legal status or the legal status of a disputed territory, either explicitly or 
implicitly. 
7. 
The State shall exercise jurisdiction over all persons, natural or 
juridical, military or civilian, Filipino or foreign, who commit acts prohibited by 
this law, no matter where these acts occurred, even if they took place in the 
territory of another State, involved suspects or victims who are not nationals of 
the State, or posed no direct threat to the State's own particular security 
interest~. 
81 The total ban on anti-personnel mines in this law ~hall apply to their 
transit and carrying by visiting foreign military vessels and forces, including in 
joint military exercises, in Philippine territory. 
Section 4. Definition of Terms -
1. "Mine" means a munition placed under, on or near the ground or other 
surface area and designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact 
of a person or vehicle. 
2. "Anti-personnel mine" means a mine designed to be or has the effect 
of being exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will 
incapaCitate, injure or kill one or more persons. 
It is victim-activated, not 
command-detonated. 
It includes improvised explosive devices produced by 
adapting other munitions to function as anti-personnel mines. It includes anti-
5 


vehicle mines equipped with anti-handling devices or which otherwise have the 
same effects as anti-personnel mines. It includes Claymore mines which are 
activated by tripwire but excludes those which are command-detonated. 
3. "Command-detonation" means a system whereby a person manually 
detonates a mine electrically by an electric firing mechanism. This system allows 
total control over the mine's effect but requires a person to be present. It is 
normally used with directional mines such as the Claymore. Mines which are not 
command-detonated are considered victim-activated. 
4. 
"Anti-vehicle mine" means a mine designed to be detonated by the 
presence, proximity or contact of a vehicle as opposed to a person. 
5. 
"Anti-handling device" means a device intended to protect a mine 
which is/ part of, linked to, attached to or placed under the mine and which 
activate1 
when an attempt is made to tamper with the mine. 
' 
6. "Remotely-delivered mine" means a mine not directly emplaced but 
delivered by artillery, missile, rocket, mortar, or similar means, or dropped from 
an aircraft. Mines delivered from a land-based system from less than 500 meters 
are not considered to be "remotely-delivered", provided that they are used in 
accordance with Section 7 and other relevant provisions of this Act. 
7. "Remote control" means control by commands from a distance. 
8. 
"Booby Trap" means any device or material which is designed, 
constructed, or adapted to kill or injure, and which functions unexpectedly when 
a person disturbs or approaches an apparently harmless object or performs an 
apparently safe act. 
9. 
"other devices" means manually-emplaced munitions and devices 
including improvised explosive devices designed to kill, injure, or damage and 
which are activated manually, by remote-control or automatically after a lapse of 
time. 
10. "Self-destruction mechanism" means an incorporated or externally 
attached automatically-functioning mechanism which secures the destruction of 
the munitions into which it is incorporated or to which it is attached. 
11. "Self-neutralization mechanism" means an incorporated automatically-
functioning mechanism which renders inoperable the munition into which it is 
incorporated. 
12. 
"Self-deactivating" means automatically rendering a munition 
inoperable by means of the irreversible exhaustion of a component, for example, 
a battery, that is essential to the operation of the munition. 
6 


13. "Minefield" is a defined area in which mines have been emplaced. 
Phoney Ininefields mean an area free of mines that simulates a minefield. The 
term "minefields" include phoney minefields. 
14. "Mined area" is an area which is dangerous due to the presence of 
mines. 
15. "Recording" means a physical, administrative and technical operation 
designed to obtain, for the purpose of registration in official records, all available 
information facilitating the location of minefields, mined areas, booby-traps and 
other devices. 
16. "Transfer" involves, in addition to the physical movement 'of mines 
within, into or from national territory, the transfer of title to and control over the 
mines, but does not involve the transfer of territory containing emplaced mines. 
It includes the transfer of technology, patents and intellectual property rights for 
anti-personnel mines. 
17. 
"Military objective" means, so far as objects are concerned, any 
object which by its nature, location, purpose or use makes an effective 
contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture or 
neutralization, in the circumstance ruling at the time, offers a definite military 
advantage. 
18. "Civilian objects" are all objects which are not military objectives as 
defined in paragraph 17 of this section. 
Section 5. Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines -
1. 
It is prohibited for all persons, natural and juridical, under any 
circums~ances : 
I a. To use anti-personnel mines; 
b. To develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer 
to anyone, directly or indirectly, anti-personnel mines; 
c. To assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in 
any activity prohibited under this law. 
2. The State shall undertake to destroy or ensure the destruction of all 
anti-personnel mines on territory under its jurisdiction or control in accordance 
with the Ottawa Treaty. 
3. There shall be no retention of any number of anti-personnel mines for 
any purpose. 
7 


4. 
Only the transfer of anti-personnel mines for the purpose of 
destruction is permitted. Prohibited transfer includes technology transfer. 
5. 
The transit and carrying of anti-personnel mines by visiting foreign 
military vessels and forces, including in joint military exerCises, in Philippine 
territory is prohibited. 
Section 6. General Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps 
and Other Devices -
1. Without prejudice to Section 5, this Section applies to: 
(a) mines in general, including anti-vehicle mines; 
(b) booby-traps; and 
(c) other devices. 
2. Each party to a conflict is, in accordance with the provisions of this 
law, responsible for all mines, booby traps and other devices employed by it and 
undertaKes to clear, remove, destroy or maintain them as speCified 'in this law. 
3J It is prohibited in all circumstances to use any mi'ne, booby-trap or 
other device which is designed or of a nature to cause superfluous injury or 
unnecessary suffering. 
4. 
Weapons to which this section applies shall strictly comply with the 
-
standards and limitations specified in the Technical Annex of Amended Protocol 
II with respect to each particular category. 
5. 
It is prohibited to use mines, booby-traps or other devices which 
employ a mechanism or device specifically designed to detonate the munition by 
the presence of commonly available mine detectors as a result of their magnetic 
or other non-contact influence during normal use in detection operations. 
6. It is prohibited to use a self-deactivating mine equipped with an anti-
handling device that is designed in such a manner that the anti-handling device 
is capable of functioning after the mine has ceased to be capable of functioning. 
7. It is prohibited in all circumstances to direct weapons to which this 
section applies, either in offense, defense or by way of reprisals, against the 
civilian population as such or against individual Civilians or civilian objects. 
8. 
The indiscriminate use of weapons to which this section applies is 
prohibited. Indiscriminate use is any placement of weapons: 
a. which is not on, or directed against, a military objective. In case of 
doubt as to whether an object which is normally dedicated to civilian purposes, 
such as a place of worship, a house or other dwelling or a school, is being used 
8 


to make an effective contribution to military action, it shall be presumed not to 
be so used; or 
b. which employs a method or means of delivery which cannot be 
directed at a specific military objective; or 
I c. which may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, 
injury t9 civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which 
would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage 
anticipated. 
9. Several clearly separated and distinct military objectives located in a 
city, town, village or other area containing a similar concentration of civilians or 
civilian objects are not to be treated as a single military objective. 
10. All feasible precautions shall be taken to protect civilians from the 
effects of weapons to which this section applies. Feasible precautions are those 
precautions which are practicable or practically possible taking into account all 
circumstances 
ruling at the time, 
including 
humanitarian and 
military 
considerations. These circumstances include, but shall not be limited to: 
a. 
the short- and long-term effect of mines upon the local civilian 
population for the duration of the minefield; 
b. possible measures to protect civilians (for example, fencing, signs, 
warning and monitoring); 
c. the availability and feasibility of using alternatives; and 
d. the short- and long-term military requirements for a minefield. 
11. 
Effective advance warning shall be given of any emplacement of 
mines, booby-traps and other devices which may affect the civilian population, 
unless circumstances do not permit. 
Section 7. Restrictions on the Use of Remotely-Delivered Mines-
1. 
It is prohibited to use remotely-delivered mines unless they are 
recorde~ in accordance with sub-paragraph 1 (b) of the Technical Annex of 
Amended Protocol II. 
2. 
It is prohibited to use remotely-delivered mines other than anti-
personnel mines, unless, to the extent feaSible, they are equipped with an 
effective self-destruction or self-neutralization mechanism and have a back-up 
self-deactivation feature, which is designed so that the mine will no longer 
function as a mine when the mine no longer serves the military purpose for 
which it was placed in position. 
9 


3. Effective advance warning shall be given of any delivery of remotely-
delivered mines which may affect the civilian population, unless circumstances do 
not permit. 
Section 8. 
Prohibitions on the Use of Booby-Traps and Other 
Devices -
1. Without prejudice to the rules of international law applicable in armed 
conflict relating to treachery and perfidy, it is prohibited in all circumstances to 
use booby-traps and other devices which are in any way attached to or 
associated with: 
a. internationally recognized protective emblems, signs or signals; 
b. sick, wounded or dead persons; 
c. burial or cremation sites or graves; 
d. medical facilities, medical equipment, medical supplies or medical 
transportation; 
e. children's toys or other portable objects or products especially 
designed for the feeding, hygiene, clothing or. education of 
children; 
f. foods or drinks; 
g. kitchen utensils or appliances except in military establishments, 
military locations or military supply depots; 
h. objects clearly of a religious nature; 
i. historic monuments, works of art or places of worship which 
constitute the cultural or spiritual heritage of peoples; 
j. animals or their carcasses. 
2. 
It is prohibited to use booby-traps or other devices in the form of 
apparently harmless portable objects which are specifically designed and 
constructed to contain explosive material. 
3. 
Without prejudice to the provisions of Section 6, it is prohibited to use 
weapons to which this section applies in any city, town, village or other 
area containing a similar concentration of civilians on which combat 
between ground forces is not taking place or does not appear to be 
imminent, unless either: 
a. 
they are placed on or in close vicinity of a military objective; or 
10 


b. 
measures are taken to protect civilians from their effects, for 
example, the posting of warning sentries, the issuing of warnings 
or the provision of fences. 
Section 9. Transfers-
1. In order to promote the purposes of this Act, the State shall: 
a. undertake not to transfer any mine the use of which is prohibited 
by this law; 
b. undertake not to transfer any mine to any recipient other than a 
State or a State agency authorized to receive such transfers; 
c. undertake to exercise restraint in the transfer of any mine the use 
of which is restricted by this law; and 
-
d. undertake to ensure that any transfer in accordance with this 
section takes place in full compliance, by both the transferring and 
recipient State, with the relevant provisions of this Act and the 
applicable norms of international humanitarian law. 
2. In the event that the State declares that it will defer compliance with 
specific provisions on the use of certain mines, as provided for in the Technical 
Annex of Amended Protocol II, sub-paragraph 1 (a) of this section shall however 
apply to such mines. 
3. The State, pending the effectivity of this Act, shall refrain from any 
. actions which would be inconsistent with sub-paragraph 1 (a) of this section. 
4. 
This section shall be without prejudice to the prohibition on the 
transfer of anti-personnel mines except for the purpose of destruction. 
Prohibited transfer includes technology transfer. 
Section 10. Penalties - Any person, whether natural or juridical, who 
commits any of the prohibited acts ·provided under Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 
19(7) shall, upon conviction, at the discretion of the court, be penalized by: 
1. A fine, the amount of which to be determined by the Court; or 
2. 
Imprisonment of prision correccional in its minimum period up to 
I 
prision rayor in its maximum period; or 
, 
3. Both fine and imprisonment and seizure or forfeiture of anti-personnel 
mines or components thereof as may be determined by the Court. 
11 


Section 11. Destruction of Stockpiled Anti-Personnel Mines-
The State shall undertake to destroy or ensure the destruction of all 
stockpiled anti-personnel mines it owns or possesses, or that are under its 
jurisdiction or control, as soon as possible, but not later than four years after the 
entry into force of the Ottawa Treaty for the Philippines on 1 August 2000. 
Section 12. Destruction of Anti-Personnel Mines in Mined Areas -
1. The State shall undertake to destroy or ensure the destruction of all 
anti-personnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control, as soon as 
possible but not later than ten years after the entry into force of the Ottawa 
Treaty for the Philippines on 1 August 2000. 
2. 
The State shall make every effort to identify all areas under its 
jurisdiction or control in which anti-personnel mines are known or suspected to 
be emplaced and shall ensure as soon as possible that all anti-personnel mines in 
mined areas under its jurisdiction are perimeter-marked, monitored and 
protected by fencing or other means, to ensure the effective exclusion of 
Civilians, until all anti-personnel mines contained therein have been destroyed. 
The marking shall at least be the standards set out in Amended Protocol II. 
Section 13. 
Recording and Use of Information on Minefields. 
Mined Areas. Mines. Booby Traps and Other Devices -
1. All information concerning minefields, mined areas, mines, booby traps 
and other devices shall be recorded in accordance with the provisions of the 
Technical Annex of Amended Protocol II. 
2. All such records shall be retained by the parties to a conflict, who shall, 
without delay after the cessation of active hostilities, take all necessary and 
appropriate measures, including the use of such information, to protect civilians 
from the effects of minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and other 
devices in areas under their control. 
At the same time, they shall also make available to the other party or 
parties to the conflict and to the Secretary-General of the United Nations all such 
information in their possession concerning minefields, mined areas, mines, 
booby-traps and other devices laid by them in areas no longer under their 
control; Provided, however, subject to reciprOCity, where the forces of a party to 
12 


a conflict are in the territory of an adverse party, either party may withhold such 
information from the Secretary General and the other party, to the extent that 
security interests require such withholding, until neither party is in the territory of 
the other. In the latter case, the information withheld shall be disclosed as soon 
as those security interests permit. Wherever possible, the parties to the conflict 
shall seek, by mutual agreement, to provide for the release of such information 
at the earliest possible time in a manner consistent with the security interests of 
each party. 
3. This section is without prejudice to the provisions of Sections 14 and 
15 of this Act. 
Section 14. Removal of Minefields. Mined Areas. Mines. Booby-
I 
Traps a1nd Other Devices -
1. Without delay after the cessation of active hostilities, all minefields, 
mined areas, mines, booby traps and other devices shall be cleared, removed, 
destroyed or maintained in accordance with Section 6 of this law. 
2. 
The parties to a conflict bear such a responsibility with respect to 
minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and other devices in areas under 
their control. 
3. With respect to minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and other 
devices laid by a party in areas over which it no longer exercises control, such 
party shall provide to the party in control of the area pursuant to paragraph 2 of 
this section, to the extent permitted by such party, technical and material 
assistance necessary to fulfill such responsibility. 
4. At all times necessary, the parties shall endeavor to reach agreement, 
both among themselves and, where appropriate, with other States and with 
international organizations, on the provision of technical and. material aSSistance, 
including in· appropriate circumstances, the undertaking of jOint operations 
necessary to fulfill such responsibilities. 
Section 15. 
Protection from the Effects of Minefields. Mined 
Areas. Mines. Booby Traps and Other Devices -
1. Application 
a. With the exception of the forces and missions referred to in sub-
paragraph 2(a) (i) of this section, this section applies only to missions which are 
13 


performing functions in an area with the consent of the State on whose territory 
the functions are performed. 
bJ The application of the provisions of this section to p~rties in a conflict 
which are not states shall not change their legal status or the legal status of a 
disputed territory, explicitly or implicitly. 
c. The provisions of this section are without prejudice to existing 
international humanitarian law, or other international instruments as applicable, 
or decisions by the Security Council of the United Nations, which provide for a 
higher level of protection to personnel functioning in accordance with this 
section. 
2. Peace-keeping and certain other forces and missions 
a. This paragraph applies to: 
i. 
any United Nations force or mission performing peace-keeping, 
observation or similar functions in any area in accordance with the Charter of the 
United Nations; 
ii. 
any mission established pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter 
of the United Nations and performing functions in the area of conflict. 
b. 
Each party to a conflict, if so requested by the head of a force or 
mission to which this paragraph applies, shall: 
i. so far as it is able, take such measures as are necessary to protect 
the force or mission from the effects of mines, booby-traps and other devices in 
any area under its control; 
ii. if necessary, in order to effectively protect such personnel, remove 
or render harmless, so far as it is able, all mines, booby-traps and other devices 
in that area; and 
I iii. inform the head of the force or mission of the location of all known 
minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and other devices in the area in 
I 
which the force or mission is performing its functions and, so far as is feasible, 
make available to the head of the force or mission all information in its 
possession concerning such minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and 
other devices.-
3. Humanitarian and fact-finding missions of the United Nations System 
a. 
This paragraph applies to any humanitarian or fact-finding mission 
of the United Nations System. 
b. Each party to a conflict, if so requested by the head of the mission 
to which this paragraph applies, shall: 
14 


i. 
Provide the personnel of the mission with the protections set out in 
subparagraph 2(b)(i) of this section; and 
ii. If access to or through any place under its control is necessary for 
the performance of the mission's functions and in order to provide the personnel 
of the mission with safe passage to or through that place: 
(aa). unless on-going hostilities prevent, inform the head of the 
mission of a safe route to that place if such information is 
available; or 
(bb). if information identifying a safe route is not provided in 
accordance with subparagraph (aa), so far as is necessary and 
feasible clear a lane through minefields. 
4. Missions of the International Committee of the Red Cross 
a. 
This paragraph applies to any mission of the International 
Committee of the Red Cross performing functions with the consent of the State 
as provided for by the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 and, where 
applicable, their Additional Protocols. 
b. Each party to a conflict, if so requested by the head of a mission to 
which this paragraph applies, shall: 
ii. 
provide the personnel of the mission with the protections set out in 
sub-paragraph (2)(b )(i) of this section; 
iii. take the measures set out in sub-paragraph (3) (b) (ii) of this 
section. 
5. Other Humanitarian Missions and Missions of Inquiry 
a. Insofar as paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 above do not apply to them, this 
paragraph applies to any of the following missions when they are performing 
functions in the area of a conflict or to assist the victims of a conflict: 
i. 
any humanitarian mission of a National Red Cross or Red Crescent 
Society or of their International Federation; 
ii. any mission of an impartial humanitarian organization, including 
any impartial humanitarian demining mission; and 
iii. any mission of inquiry established pursuant to the provisions of the 
Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and, where applicable, their Additional 
Protocols. 
b. Each party to a conflict, if so requested by the head of a mission to 
which this paragraph applies, shall: 
15 


i. provide the personnel of the mission with the protections set out in 
sub-paragraph (2)(b)(i) of this section; and 
ii. take the measures set out in sub-paragraph (3) (b) (ii) of this 
section. I 
6j Confidentiality 
All information provided in confidence pursuant to this section shall be 
treated by the recipient in strict confidence and shall not be released outside the 
force or mission concerned without the express authorization of the provider of 
the information. 
7. Respect for laws and regulations 
Without prejudice to such privileges and immunities as they may enjoy or 
to the requirements of their duties, personnel participating in the forces and 
missions referred to in this section shall: 
a. 
Respect the laws and regulations of the host State; and 
b. 
Refrain from any action or activity incompatible with the impartial 
and international nature of their duties. 
Section 16. Compliance by the Armed Forces of the Philippines -
1. Pursuant to this Act, especially its total ban on anti-personnel mines, 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall effect the corresponding changes in its 
military doctrine. 
2. 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall issue relevant military 
instructions and operating procedures, including the notification of units and 
enterprises involved in arms development, production, acquisition and transfer. 
3. Armed forces personnel shall receive training commensurate with their 
duties and responsibilities to comply with the provisions of this Act. 
4. The Armed Forces shall develop and use alternatives to anti-personnel 
mines for perimeter defense of its field detachments, such as various early 
warning devices. 
5. In cases of the reacquisition by the Armed Forces of Claymore mines, 
it shall be ensured that these are usable and used in command-detonated mode 
only. 
16 


Section 17. Compliance by Rebel Groups 
1. In addition to the enforcement of this Act vis-a-vis Philippine internal 
armed conflicts and rebel groups, the State welcomes the voluntary compliance 
by rebel groups with the norms established by the Ottawa Treaty and Amended 
Protocol II, especially the total ban on anti-personnel mines, which they may 
formalize through any of several available instruments. 
2. The inclusion of the landmines agenda in peace processes with rebel 
groups in the Philippines shall be pursued. 
3. 
The State recognizes the special role of impartial humanitarian 
organization in the engagement of rebel groups on a total ban on anti-personnel 
mines and other humanitarian norms, and shall provide an enabling environment 
for such engagement. 
Section 18. International Cooperation and Assistance -
1. 
The State shall consult and cooperate with other State Parties 
regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Ottawa Treaty and 
Amende1d Protocol II, and to work together in a spirit of cooperation to facilitate 
complia~ce by State Parties with their obligations under the aforesaid treaties. 
2. 
In fulfilling the obligations under the Ottawa Treaty and Amended 
Protocol II, the State shall seek aSSistance, where feasible, from other State 
Parties to the extent possible. 
3. 
The State shall undertake to facilitate and shall have the right to 
participate in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, material and scientific 
and technological information concerning the implementation of this Act. The 
State shall not impose undue restrictions on the provision of mine clearance 
equipment and related technological information for humanitarian purposes. 
4. The State, if in a position to do so, shall provide assistance for the care 
and rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration, of mine victims and for 
mine awareness programs. Such assistance may be provided, inter alia, through 
the United Nations System, international, regional or national organizations or 
institutions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, National Red Cross 
and 
Red 
Crescent 
SOCieties, 
and 
their International 
Federation, 
non-
governmental organizations, or on a bilateral basis. 
S. The State, if in a position to do so, shall provide assistance for mine 
clearance and related activities. Such assistance may be provided, inter alia, 
17 


through the United Nations System, international, regional or national 
organizations or institutions, non-governmental organizations or institutions, or 
on a bilateral basis, or by contributing to the United Nations Voluntary Trust 
Fund for Assistance in Mine Clearance, or other regional funds that deal with 
demining. 
6. The State, if in a position to do so, shall provide assistance for the 
destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines. 
7.1 The State shall undertake to provide information to the database on 
mine clbarance established within the United Nations system, especially 
information concerning various means and technologies of mine clearance, and 
lists of experts, expert agencies or national points of contact on mine clearance. 
S. 
The State may request the United Nations, regional organizations, 
other State Parties or other competent intergovernmental or non-governmental 
fora to assist their authorities in the elaboration of a national demining program 
to determine, inter alia: 
a. 
The extent and scope of the anti-personnel mine problem; 
b. 
The financial, technological and human resources that are required 
for the implementation of the program; 
c. 
The estimated number of years necessary to destroy all anti-
personnel mines in mined areas under the jurisdiction or control of 
the State; 
d. 
Mine awareness activities to reduce the incidence of mine-related 
injuries or deaths; 
e. 
Assistance to mine victims; 
f. 
The relationship between the government and the relevant 
governmental, inter-governmental or non-governmental entities 
that will work in the implementation of this program. 
9. The State, when giving and receiving assistance under the provisions 
of this section, shall cooperate with a view to ensuring the full and prompt 
implementation of agreed assistance programs. 
10. The State shall undertake to consult and cooperate with other State 
Parties bilaterally, through the Secretary-General of the United Nations or 
I 
throug~ other appropriate international procedures, to resolve, any problems that 
may arise with regard to the interpretation and application of the provisions of 
the Ottawa Treaty and Amended Protocol II. 
18 


Section 19. Transparency Measures -
1. The -State shall report to the Secretary-General of the United Nations 
as soon as practicable: 
a. 
The national implementation measures referred to in Article 9 of 
the Ottawa Treaty; 
b. 
The total of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines owned or possessed 
by it, or under its jurisdiction or control, to include a breakdown of 
the type, quantity and, if possible, lot numbers of each type of anti-
personnel mine stockpiled; 
c. 
The location, to the extent possible, of all mined areas that contain 
or are suspected to contain, anti-personnel mines under its 
jurisdiction or control, to include as much detail as possible 
regarding the type and quantity of each type of anti-personnel 
mine in each mined area and when they were emplaced; 
d. 
The types, quantities, and if possible, lot numbers of all anti-
personnel mines retained or transferred for the development of and 
training in mine detection, mine clearance or mine destruction 
techniques, or transferred for the purpose of destruction, as well as 
the institutions authorized by a State Party to retain or transfer 
anti-personnel mines. 
e( 
The status of programs for the conversion or de-commissioning of 
anti-personnel mine production facilities; 
f. 
The status of programs for the destruction of anti-personnel mines 
in accordance with Sections 11 and 12, including details of the 
methods which will be used in destruction, the location of all 
destruction sites and the applicable safety and enVironmental 
standards to be observed; 
g. 
The types and quantities of all anti-personnel mines destroyed after 
the entry into force of the Ottawa Treaty for the State, to include a 
breakdown of the quantity of each type of anti-personnel mine 
destroyed, in accordance with Sections 11 and 12, along with, if 
pOSSible, the lot numbers of each type of anti-personnel mine in the 
case of destruction in accordance with Section 11; 
h. 
The technical characteristics of each type of anti-personnel mine 
produced, to the extent known, and those currently owned or 
19 


possessed by the State, giving, where reasonably possible, such 
categories of information as may facilitate identification and 
clearance of anti-personnel mines; at a minimum, this information 
shall include the dimensions, fusing, explosive content, metallic 
content, color photographs and other information which may 
facilitate mine clearance; and 
i. 
The measures taken to provide an immediate and effective warning 
to the population in relation to all areas identified under paragraph 
2 of Section 12. 
2. 
The information provided in accordance with this section shall be 
updated/ by the State annually, covering the last calendar year, and reported to 
the secrftary-General of the United Nations, not later that April 30 of each year. 
3. The State shall provide annual reports to the Secretary-General of the 
United Nations on any of the following matters: 
a. 
dissemination of information on Amended Protocol II and this Act 
to the armed forces and to the civilian population; 
b. 
mine clearance and rehabilitation program; 
c. 
steps taken to meet technical requirements under this Act and any 
other information pertaining thereto; 
d. 
legislation related to Amended Protocol II; 
e. 
measures taken on international technical information exchange, on 
international cooperation on mine clearance, and on technological 
cooperation and assistance; and 
f. 
other relevant matters. 
4. In addition to the State's annual report to the Secretary-General of the 
United Nations, the State welcomes and encourages the independent monitoring 
and verification of state and non-state compliance with the Ottawa Treaty and 
Amended Protocol II, as may be applicable, by impartial humanitarian 
organizations and relevant non-governmental organizations. 
5. 
The officials primarily responsible for the annual reports to the 
Secretary-General of the United Nations shall have information-gathering powers, 
including the requiring of disclosure of information on anti-personnel mines, 
subject to constitutional rights. He or she may also report voluntarily on other 
relevant matters not covered by the formal reporting requirements under Article 
7 ofthe Ottawa Treaty or Article 13 of Amended Protocol II. 
20 


6. 
The State shall ensure full cooperation, access and security to a 
peacekeeping, humanitarian, fact-finding or similar missions' carrying out 
activitieS on its territory or territory under its control, pursu~nt to Section 15 
above (corresponding to Article 12 of Amended Protocol II) or to Article 8 of the 
Ottawa Treaty. 
7. It is prohibited to obstruct or deceive any member of such misSions 
exercising his or her functions or powers. 
Section 20. International Meetings -
1. 
The Philippines shall partiCipate actively in the following relevant 
international meetings, among others: 
a. Meetings of the State Parties, Review Conferences and Amendment 
Conferences under the Ottawa Treaty; and 
b. Annual and Review Conferences of the High Contracting Parties 
under Amended Protocol II. 
2. The Philippines shall endeavor to include one representative from a 
relevant Philippine non-governmental organization or impartial humanitarian 
organization in its delegations to major international meetings under the Ottawa 
Treaty and Amended Protocol II. 
Section 21. 
Philippine Coordinating Committee on Landmines 
(PCCL) - There shall be created a Philippine Coordinating Committee on 
Landmines which shall have the following powers and functions: 
a. Coordinate, plan and monitor the Philippines' compliance with the 
proper implementation of the Ottawa Treaty and, Amended Protocol 
II; 
b. Prepare and submit annual reports under the two treaties; 
c. Prepare position papers, briefing materials, amendment proposals 
and possible delegates for major international meetings under the 
two treaties; 
d. Develop and implement plans and programs for the destruction of 
anti-personnel mines, mine clearance, mine awareness and victim 
assistance; 
e. Issue implementing rules and regulations for the purpose of this 
Act as may be deemed necessary; 
21 


f. Conduct information dissemination on this Act and the two treaties, 
especially to the armed forces and rebel groups; 
g. Initiate investigation of reported violations of this Act and, where 
warranted, refer the matter for prosecution; 
h. Coordinate international technical cooperation and assistance, 
including providing information to the database on mine clearance 
established within the United Nations system; 
i. 
Recommend to the legislative and executive departments, including 
the armed forces, effective measures for compliance with and 
implementation of the two treaties; 
j. Empower duly-authorized deputies to enter and search premises to 
collect and transfer anti-personnel mines for destruction, subject to 
constitutional guarantees; 
k. Request the assistance of appropriate departments, bureaus, 
offices or agencies in the performance of its functions; and 
I. 
Exercise such other powers and functions necessary for the 
effective implementation of its mandate as may be provided by law 
or delegated by the President. 
Section 22. Composition of the PCCl - The Philippine Coordinating 
Committee on Landmines shall be composed of senior representatives of the 
following agencies and organizations who shall elect a Chairperson and such 
other officers as may be necessary from among themselves: 
a. 
Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly its Office of the United 
Nations and International Organizations; 
b. 
Department of National Defense; 
c. 
Armed Forces of the Philippines, including its Office of the Chief, 
Ordinance and Chemical Services; 
d. 
Department of the Interior and Local Government; 
e. 
Philippine National Police; 
f. 
Department of Justice; 
g. 
Office of the PreSidential Adviser on the Peace Process; 
h. 
Department of Health; 
i. 
Philippine National Red Cross, 
particularly its National IHL 
Committee; 
j. 
Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines; 
22 
- I 


k. 
Philippine Chapter of the International Association of Bomb 
Technicians and Investigators; and 
I. 
Such other relevant agencies or organizations as may be 
designated by the President through an executive order activating 
this Committee. 
S~ction 23. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act shall be inclUded in the General Appropriations Act of the 
year following its enactment into law and thereafter. 
Section 24. 
Designation and training of special courts and 
prosecutors -
1. 
The appropriate instrumentalities of the State, namely the Supreme 
Court and the Department of Justice shall respectively designate special courts, 
prosecutors and investigators to investigate, prosecute and try, as the case may 
be, violations of this law. The courts referred to here shall be at the Regional 
Trial Court level and special divisions of the Court of Appeals. 
2. 
The State shall ensure that judges, prosecutors and investigators, 
especially those deSignated for purposes of this law, receive effective training in 
international criminal law, international humanitarian law and human rights. 
Section 25. International law references -
1. 
In the application and interpretation of this Law, the Court shall be 
guided by: 
a. 
The Ottawa Treaty; 
b. 
Amended Protocol II; 
c. 
Applicable rules and rulings of international humanitarian law and 
international criminal law; 
q. 
Relevant teachings of the most highly qualified publicists and 
authoritative commentaries on the foregoing sources. 
2. 
In case of conflict in the implementation and application of the 
Ottawa Treaty and Amended Protocol II, the former shall prevail particularly as 
far as anti-personnel mines are concerned. 
3. 
The application and interpretation of this Act must be consistent 
with internationally recognized human rights. 
23 


·' 
Section 26. 
Repealing clause - All laws/ presidential decrees and 
issuances/ executive orders/ rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Section 27. 
Separability clause - If/ for any reason/ any part or 
provision of this Act shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid/ other parts or 
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force 
and effect. 
Section 28. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved/ 
. I 
24 
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