By Jeffrey Damicog
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday said he intends to include in next year’s budget for the Department of Justice (DOJ) funding of firearms for prosecutors.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN)
Guevarra made the move in response to the spate of killings which have targeted prosecutors.
In the meantime, the secretary will look into this year’s budget if such kind of funding is already available.
“I'll see kung kasama yan sa current appropriations. Kung hindi, I'll request sa next budget (I’ll see if it is already in the current appropriations. If not, I’ll request in the next budget),” said Guevarra in a text message.
The Secretary also expressed gratitude to Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde for committing to help prosecutors in the expeditious release of their licenses to carry firearms.
“That's welcome news,” Guevarra said.
“In fact we have coordinated with the PNP firearms and explosives office to hold one-stop caravans sa DOJ and regional prosecution offices in order to expedite the issuance of firearm permits, as well as to conduct firearms handling and training,” he disclosed.
On Monday, Ombudsman Assistant Special Prosecutor Madonna Joy Enaco-Tanyag was killed during a robbery incident in Quezon City.
Aside from her there are other prosecutors who have been killed under the watch of President Duterte including Mati city prosecutor Rolando Acido, Quezon City assistant prosecutor Johanne Noel Mingoa, Caloocan City prosecutor Diosdado Azarcon, Rizal assistant provincial prosecutor Maria Ronatay, Quezon assistant provincial prosecutor Reymund Luna, Quezon City deputy prosecutor Rogelio Velasco, and retired Ozamiz City prosecutor Geronimo Marabe.