The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured on Wednesday, Sept 28, the protection of members of the judiciary amid the alleged red-tagging on the Manila trial court judge over the junking of the petition that declares the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA) as terrorist groups.
In a statement, the PNP assured the Supreme Court and the public that it will always be on the side of the law and ensures the safety and security of the honorable members of the court to enable them to promulgate decisions without fear of reprisal or retribution.
"As part of its mandate to serve and protect the public, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assures everyone that it is committed to undertake measures to protect the citizenry, including the members of our judiciary, against threats, intimidation, and crimes, including those perpetrated through the internet and social media platforms," the statement read.
"We acknowledge that the judiciary is an independent and distinct branch of the government, and we value their key role in a democracy like our country in protecting fundamental rights, settling disputes and administering justice, among others," it added.
The statement was issued a day after the Supreme Court warned "a certain Lorraine Badoy" for red-tagging Manila RTC Judge Marlo A. Magdoza-Malagar who dismissed the petition of the Department of Justice.
In a now deleted post, Badoy, former spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), branded Malagar as a friend and a lawyer of the communist rebels and her decision was a gift to the CPP-NPA.
The reported red-tagging did not sit well with members of a group of judge, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Supreme Court.
Badoy's statement sparked the issue on the security of members of the judiciary amid the killings of lawyers, judges and other members of the judiciary in the past few years.
The PNP said part of its efforts to establish greater collaboration with the legislative branch is the tapping of its Anti-Cybercrime Group units to render courtesy calls to Judges and Prosecutors in their respective areas of responsibility to offer the ACG’s assistance and provide lectures on cyber awareness.
"This is to maintain close coordination and build rapport with our community partners and stakeholders to make our presence felt and to promote our services to the general public," the statement read.