Among the participants were 27 members of the boards of directors of 17 chapters of the PNRC from all over Mindanao.

According to Roy Bautista, head of the PNRC's programmes on international humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflict, the aim of the seminar was to strengthen the capacity of local chapters to spread knowledge of that law.

"A good understanding of international humanitarian law is crucial in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, which is affected by armed conflict," said Mario Joyo Aguja, a lecturer at the seminar as well as a former congressman and member of the board of directors of the General Santos City Red Cross Chapter. "To make this law known is to provide more protection for those who are not, or who are no longer taking part in the conflict. To comply with its rules reflects concern for humanity and spreads good will among all parties.”

In response to a question raised during the seminar, ICRC communication delegate Roland Bigler said: “International humanitarian law cannot stop an armed conflict, but it can – if it is respected by all weapon bearers – help reduce the suffering of civilians caught up in the fighting. It can provide a measure of humanity in the midst of conflict.”