PNP, IBP renew partnership on lawyers’ protection

MANILA – Officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) renewed their commitment to jointly addressing issues on police operations and the protection of legal professionals in the country.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the PNP, represented by its officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, and IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa, have both expressed to work hand in hand to address the number of cases surrounding the deaths of judges, prosecutors, and member of the legal profession over the past several years.

“The PNP leadership does not sanction or tolerate the use of unnecessary/unreasonable force; illegal/questionable methods, or abuse of authority in pursuing its mandate to enforce the law and maintain peace and order; It shall hold accountable and discipline any police officer or employee who acts in violation of the Constitution, law, or regulations”, the joint statement said.

The IBP, meanwhile, said swift justice “is a key deterrent to criminality and will continue to encourage and enable its members to help move the wheels of justice in our country much faster”.

The two institutions also committed to working together within the parameters of the Lawyer Security and Justice MOA that they signed in March 2020.

“Lawyer-killings shall be investigated promptly and thoroughly with the suspects subsequently identified, prosecuted, and penalized,” the statement said.

It also said “closer coordination between IBP and law enforcers and investigators resulted in faster resolution of the more recent killings of lawyers Eric Jay Magcamit in Palawan and Joey Luis Wee in Cebu City”.

Both Eleazar and Cayosa, along with their respective officials, reaffirmed the continuing periodic joint review of the existing memorandum of agreement between the PNP and IBP.

Cayosa reiterated the assurance of the IBP to provide legal assistance, through its legal aid program, to qualified police officers who are unjustly harassed for doing their job and who do not have access to a competent lawyer.

Meanwhile, Eleazar informed Cayosa that the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office is conducting its own review of the PNP’s compliance with human rights standards in police operations because the PNP remains keenly responsive to the requirement of respect for human rights in law enforcement.

“We have sought to strengthen our partnership with IBP to develop greater confidence among police personnel and officers of the court,” Eleazar said.

The IBP reaffirmed its commitment to motivate both police officers and lawyers to work together in strengthening “communication lines” as officers of the court, ensure the prompt resolution and disposition of criminal cases, and advocate for laws and reforms that will help pursue the ends of justice.

Cayosa assured Eleazar of the IBP’s commitment to helping improve the legal knowledge and skills of police officers and inculcate in them adherence to the rule of law and respect for basic rights through lectures, seminars, workshops, and other educational training programs.

Eleazar, on the other hand, expressed the commitment of the PNP to provide timely assistance to lawyers, prosecutors, and judges in distress or danger and extend appropriate security and protection in cases of threat or hazard in the performance of their duties and functions.

The PNP will also help enhance the knowledge and skills of lawyers in security, personal defense, firearms proficiency and discipline, and allow the use of PNP facilities for such training, Eleazar said as he committed to assist and facilitate the processing of the application for gun license and permit to carry firearms outside residence of qualified applicants in the legal profession.

The PNP also reiterated its commitment to expedite the investigation and give preferential attention to incidents and cases of violence against lawyers, prosecutors, and magistrates to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is swiftly served.

Both parties agreed to encourage a similar strong partnership in local IBP Chapters within the jurisdiction of PNP Regional and Provincial Police Offices nationwide.

The joint statement concluded that “the PNP and IBP shall nurture a principled and proactive partnership to end impunity and seek peace and justice for all.”