IBP Rolls Out Protection Program for Court Officers
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is taking decisive action to protect court officers after death threats targeted two Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges. These alarming threats were delivered through emails warning that the judges could be shot during ongoing trials.
The IBP’s national program to protect court officers aims to strengthen the security of legal professionals across the country. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the safety of those who uphold justice.
Standardized Threat Assessments and Coordination
To effectively shield court officers, the IBP plans to implement standardized threat assessments alongside clear response protocols. A national red-flag system and incident tracking mechanisms will help monitor and address potential risks swiftly.
Furthermore, the program seeks to enhance collaboration among courts, law enforcement agencies, and oversight bodies. These coordinated efforts aim to prevent attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that court officers can perform their duties without fear.
Justice Demands Protection for Legal Professionals
In a statement, the IBP emphasized that safeguarding court officers is not merely about physical safety—it is about preserving justice itself. “This is not only a matter of safety. It is a matter of justice. For a justice system cannot function when those who sustain it are asked to do so unprotected,” the organization said.
The IBP also stressed the urgency of action, warning against passively mourning the decline of civility. “It is no longer enough to mourn the erosion of civility in public discourse or to decry the growing hostility toward those in public service. We must act, while there remains something left to protect,” they added.
Government Response to Threats Against Pasig RTC Judges
In response to the threats, the Supreme Court confirmed that the Office of the Judiciary Marshals is working closely with the Philippine National Police’s anti-cybercrime units and the National Bureau of Investigation. Their goal is to swiftly identify and neutralize the source of these intimidations.
The IBP described these threats as direct attacks on judicial independence. They highlighted the gravity of the situation: “These are not mere provocations. They are deliberate assaults on the dignity of judicial office and an insult to the moral promise of justice in a democracy that claims to be governed by law.”
Protecting court officers is vital to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails. This national program marks a significant step toward securing the safety and integrity of the legal system.
For more news and updates on court officers, visit Filipinokami.com.
