The Supreme Court (SC) has issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11691, also known as the Judiciary Marshals Act.
Enacted in 2022, the law aims to address the rise in violent crimes targeting the judiciary while safeguarding judges, court personnel, and properties, and maintaining the integrity of court proceedings.
“[I]t is the declared policy of the State to ensure the safety and security of the members of the Judiciary, judicial personnel, and court assets, in order for the Judiciary to function independently and impartially in upholding the rule of law and in preserving the rights and guarantees granted by the Constitution,” the IRR states.
The Office of the Judiciary Marshals will be created to take primary responsibility for the security, safety, and protection of the members, officials, personnel, and property of the judiciary, as well as the integrity of the courts and their proceedings, the IRR further specifies.
Additionally, Judiciary Marshals will be deployed to secure court premises, including halls of justice, courthouses, and official judiciary events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings, while also being tasked with providing protection to witnesses.
The Office of the Court Administrator will offer additional supervisory support to the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to the high court’s directives, according to the SC Public Information Office.
The operationalization of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals is a key component of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.
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