DOJ launches training, education program for prosecutors, law enforcer
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, June 3, launched its Training and Educational Program for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Agents (TEPLEA).
Included in the training program are members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla stressed that “the right of society to have those who violated its laws punished by the law should be paramount.”
Thus, Remulla said the TEPLEA was established for the purpose of having law enforcement and prosecutors work closely together in securing convictions.
“It is not a new invention but it is something that should be institutionalized for the rest of time,” he also said.
He recounted that during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) included prosecutors working together with police.
DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres explained that the TEPLEA was established pursuant to DOJ Circular (DC) No. 20 which was issued by Remulla on March 31, 2023 and required prosecutors to proactively work with law enforcement in the build-up of cases.
“This TEPLEA training program is a step towards the direction of honing our collective capability, forging seamless coordination and building trust in our justice system,” Andres said.
“Part of the objective of this program is team building to forge bonds of friendship between LEAs and prosecutors to enhance team work,” he added.
He recounted that in 2024 the DOJ initiated a similar training program. “We were able to conduct 18 sessions and train 1,800 participants comprised of 1,700 members of the Philippine National Police and 90 members of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said.
“Now, in light of our sheer will to equip each one of you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill your duties with utmost fidelity and diligence, we undertake to continue to fortify our efforts to strengthen the investigative and prosecutorial face of criminal accountability,” he told the participants.