WHEREAS , it is imperative for the State to affirm its commitment and responsibility that in all actions concerning the captured/surrendered/arrested/rescued/recovered Children Involved in Armed Conflict ( CIAC ) , their best interests shall be the paramount consideration and , they shall be treated as victims rather than as offenders irrespective of their membership in any armed group ; WHEREAS , in pursuance of the State 's responsibility to ensure the welfare of children involved in armed conflict , Executive Order No . 56 dated November 26 , 2001 ( Adopting the Comprehensive Program Framework for Children Involved in Armed Conflict and Directing All Agencies and Local Government Units to Implement the same ) was issued creating the Interagency Committee on Children Involved in Armed Conflict ( IAC-CIAC ) to implement the Program ; WHEREAS , Executive Order No .