SC to form task force to address judges' killings

MANILA, Philippines – After a spate of recent killings targeting judges, the Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon the creation of a task force that will address the issue.

Based on a report from The STAR, SC urged its committee on security chaired by Justice Marvic Leonen to form a task force that will coordinate with appropriate agencies in addressing the killing of judges following the third justice slain in the last three months.

The high court said it condemns the killing of the judges which weakens the fair decision-making of the law.

“The killing of judges represents the ultimate shortcut and an affront to the rule of law. Killing of judges not only threatens other judges in the performance of their functions, but it also undermine the neutral environment so essential for fair and evenhanded decision-making,” the SC said in a statement on Monday.

Last September, Baler, Aurora Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Erwin Alaba was shot dead. Another Malolos City, Bulacan RTC Branch 84 Judge Wilfredo Nieves was also shot dead last November while the latest killed was municipal trial court judge of Laoang, Northern Samar Judge Reynaldo Espinar, also shot dead.

The SC also asked the authorities to conduct a thorough probe and to exhaust all necessary steps to assure deliberate speedy justice will be served for the victims and their families.

In September, an Australian Law professor sent a letter to Philstar.com mentioning that the “Philippines is a very dangerous place for lawyers” following the number of attacks to lawyers and judges. - with a report from Edu Punay