“Huwag muna kayo umalis. You have an award.”
Ever the optimist, the mooter in me wished that we would get a Justice Leonor Ines Luciano Award for Best Mooter or the Award for Best Memorials. After all, the Philippine National Police Academy has been a long-standing participant in the National Moot Court Competition (NMCC). It has produced victors and wins, yet also losers and defeats – with each year showcasing new talent and prowess that left other participants (and even a few jury members) in awe. The PNPA Moot Court Team has always strived to exceed expectations – joining in competitions that are not traditionally deemed as related to the police service or law enforcement. International Humanitarian Law was certainly a challenge – after all, we are more geared towards the law enforcement aspects – as what is expected of future police officers. However, we have dared to challenge, taking on unfamiliar jurisprudence and braving bouts against prestigious law schools across the country.
And indeed, it had been all worth it. Her beloved name rang out and the silence of the stunned crowd soon erupted in a thunderous roar – the Philippine National Police Academy had won the Roleplay Challenge of the 2022 NMCC and had won the opportunity to represent the country to Albania for the 40th Jean Pictet Competition.
The Jean Pictet Competition is an event that invites interested youth to experience the field of International Humanitarian Law – focusing on training through simulations that are based in scenarios that directly to International Law and humanitarian response during Armed Conflict. The event, done annually since 1989 has provided a unique format that focuses not just on the legal aspects but also on the non-legal, creating an environment that develops leadership, teamwork, presentation, and communication skills.
The euphoria of the moment was soon met with the realization that so much work had to be done. As this was a novel feat, there was paperwork to fill out, more jurisprudence to study, and even more, things to prepare for Albania. The prestige of the Jean Pictet Competition demanded a scrutinizing application process and a commitment to International Law and International Humanitarian Law. Yet, there was no place for doubts or worries as the Delegation received ample support not just from the International Committee of the Red Cross – Philippine Delegation and the PNPA Family but also through the concerted efforts of the Lakans and Lakambinis of the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Incorporation (PNPAAA Inc.).
It was taking another dare – for us cadets, having to balance our academics all the while scaling the sheer brevity of International Humanitarian Law and complexity of Armed Conflict. From the need to familiarize with protocols and supplementary legal instruments – much tenacity and determination made it possible for the team to cope up. We were indeed fortunate to have subject matter experts aid us in our journey. It had made the once elusive dream turn into reality as the days shortened until we had to leave the country.
We were deemed as pioneers, the first to represent the Academy in Europe. On our backs we carried the dreams, aspirations, hopes not just of our institution but for the PNP at large. The Philippine delegation was a mainstay at the competition with last year’s delegation having won the Competition in Bali, Indonesia. Nevertheless, we took this pressure to our stride and reassured ourselves that we carried the confidence and support of the Academy as we departed the country.
Point to point, the trip had us passing through 3 major airports -and crossing through various countries in between. Despite feeling weariness from travel – we presented ourselves to the rest of the competitors on February 25, 2023 in Duress, Albania. It was only then did we feel the grand scale of the competition – the diversity happily bombarded us as we greeted people from all five continents and proudly waved the Philippine Flag with fervor. There were 44 teams, from various institutions across the world. The edition that we have participated in is particularly unique and important to us, but we can always come back in many different ways, and everybody has a very kind sentiment for the competition. The competition has been standing for over many years only increasing the number of interested participants every year, influencing the creation of similar competitions at domestic and regional levels. Pictet is not just any international competition for hundreds of teams are competing at the national and regional levels to qualify for the competition.
After being introduced to the juries, judges, and tutors – Team PNPA was designated as Kilo 04. The Jean Pictet Competition is unique in its inclusion of ‘tutors’ – who serve as mentors for each team. They themselves were former participants who committed themselves to the competition and its cause. We were fortunate to have been assigned to Mr. Oskar from Germany. Other universities under his stead were the University of Oslo, Norway, Pakistan National University, and from the University of Tel-Aviv, Israel.
The competition was stimulated by the different tests handed by the ‘Kitchen’ – a term used for the group of juries and legal volunteers that form the very heart of the Jean Pictet Competition. The teams were placed in different settings and real-life situations that tests their stability, time management, and knowledge of international humanitarian law. Every round is different with the Kitchen developing each test during the week itself as the competition progressed – making the competition highly unpredictable and exciting for the participants and juries themselves.
The field test had us on the edge as all the scenarios as an armed conflict had been in each of the stations passed by each of the participants and showcase their prowess in negotiating with people armed with the knowledge of IHL to achieve humanitarian objectives in the conduct of hostilities.
For a few days, over 44 teams were immersed in a fictitious case. In this edition we are in the Selaba Region, holding various states engaged in either an international armed conflict with each other, and protracted terrorist activities of a group called FETA rebel group. Throughout the day, the participants discover the latest news and developments in the region where there is conflict, and the role they will play. Papers are distributed to each participant handing out their respective roles.
The Pictet is more than just a week of experience. The preparation is in itself an experience and getting to know the people in your team is in itself an adventure. But also, even after the experience, the Pictet family that we talk about is composed of thousands of students and people. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where members will play in the competition feeling like a marathon. It felt like we’d been going on for weeks when it was merely only a few days. When the week was finished, we came out as changed persons.
In the end, meeting people from various parts of the world with diverse cultures and identities was the event’s best aspect. It’s about the people you meet, the knowledge you share with them, and the story to tell. It’s as if numerous birds are flying in multiple directions, yet they are all trying to go to the same destination. The team has seen for themselves that you don’t have to be an extrovert to connect with others; all you need is enthusiasm in doing so. The most exciting aspect of the competition is meeting teams from different countries; it’s about forging bonds with individuals that will create mutually beneficial relationships.
Being open-minded, we grasp that everyone has unique perspectives to contribute. As participants have a diverse assortment of social roots and beliefs. Although representing various countries, teams from other nations might develop a relationship as they help educate one another about international humanitarian law. Because of these peer relationships, the barrier separating teams is shattered. Even though we may go to compete, the most important thing is to learn from it and meet with amazing people all over the world who share our commitment to promoting humanity even in instances of conflict.
By connecting with individuals with distinct cultural backgrounds, you get the possibility of learning more about people and developing your respect for them. Coming across new individuals broadens one’s perspective on life, which espouses the sharing of creative ideas on how to leverage international humanitarian law, and support and protect those in need.
As the team gets to know more about the intriguing nature of the Starling role-playing challenge. The team is more enthusiastic to send another set of cadets to compete in the competition. As future public safety officers, protecting the public is our duty, but being a responsible citizen also means caring about the lives and dignity of people impacted by armed conflict and other violent circumstances and seeking to assist them. When the competition wraps up, the team promised to be even more determined to send another set of cadets to participate internationally so that we can show that we are capable of competing in international events with elite universities across the world.
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