PRRD urges prosecutors to work with PNP, NBI for protection

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital (SLRGH) in Malabon City on January 29, 2019. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday urged prosecutors to work with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their safety and protection.

“I also encourage the leadership of the Prosecutors’ League to work with the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies to come up with solutions on how to better protect our prosecutors and their families,” Duterte said in his speech at the 31st Annual Convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines in Palawan.

Duterte said he understands the risks of the prosecutors due to the nature of their jobs being a former prosecutor himself.

“As a former prosecutor, I understand the very important role that you play in the administration of justice, which unfortunately involves antagonizing lawless elements, hardened criminals and their powerful backers. The assassination of prosecutors across the country have lighted the danger that prosecutors and their respective families that they endure,” he said.

Duterte vowed to protect the prosecutors in work-related cases and threats.

“Kung kaso lang na sa trabaho ninyo (If it’s a work-related case), I will do everything to protect you,” he said.

The President said he is in favor of arming prosecutors for their safety.

“Baril? (Guns?) I will allow it,” he said, receiving applause from the audience.

Duterte asked for the prosecutors’ continuous support for his administration’s reforms in the country’s justice system.

“I ask you, my fellow prosecutors, to never waver in supporting the efforts of this administration in instituting the necessary reforms within DOJ (Department of Justice) and the NPS (National Prosecution Service) so that we may regain our people’s trust and confidence in our justice system,” he said.