Proclamation of 1949 Geneva Maritime Convention

The proclamation states that the Convention was signed by authorized representatives of the Philippines and other countries.
The proclamation states that the Senate of the Philippines, through Senate Resolution No. 80 dated May 2, 1952, concurred in ratification in accordance with the Constitution.
The proclamation states that the Philippines’ instrument of ratification was signed by the President on August 2, 1952.
The proclamation declares that the ratification instrument was deposited with the Swiss Government on October 6, 1952.

The proclamation requires observance and fulfillment of every clause and article of the Geneva Convention by the Republic of the Philippines and its citizens.
The Convention is proclaimed for the amelioration of the condition of wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of the armed forces at sea.
The proclamation frames the Convention as ensuring humane treatment and care, with obligations directed to Parties to a conflict.

The Convention’s protections extend to members of the Armed Forces and other persons covered by the Convention who fall into the powers of a Party to a conflict.
The Convention requires that protected persons be treated humanely and be cared for by the Party to the conflict in whose powers they may be.
The Convention prohibits adverse distinction based on sex, race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or any other similar criteria.
The Convention requires humane care and respect for protected categories, including medical and religious personnel and hospital ship personnel.

The Convention requires Parties to forward to the information bureau described in Article 122 of the Convention all records regarding each shipwrecked, wounded and sick, or dead person of the adverse party who falls into their hands.
The reporting obligation specifically covers “each shipwrecked, wounded and sick or dead” person of the adverse party.
The information-forwarding requirement applies to records and is directed to the Article 122 information bureau for treatment of prisoners of war information.

The Convention provides that military hospital ships built and equipped especially and solely to assist the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked may be in no circumstances attacked or captured.
The protection applies to military hospital ships that meet the condition of being built and equipped especially and solely for assisting, treating, and transporting the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked.
The Convention also protects the religious, medical, and hospital personnel of hospital ships and their crews by requiring they be respected and protected.

The proclamation states that the Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949 replaces the 10th Hague Convention of October 18, 1907, which adapted the principles of the Geneva Convention of 1906 to maritime warfare between the High Contracting Parties.

The proclamation emphasizes observance and fulfillment by the Republic of the Philippines and its citizens.
The Convention’s operational reporting duty is directed to the information bureau under Article 122 for matters relating to the treatment of prisoners of war information.