DOJ holds international witness protection forum today

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to strengthen its witness protection program by consulting foreign experts in a two-day forum that starts today at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

In an advisory, the DOJ said specialists from the United States, Australia and China are expected to discuss international practices on witness protection so the government can improve the WPP, which is key in resolving high-profile crimes.

The event is supported by the Institute for Ethics and Governance and Law and the Queensland University of Technology Australia, and is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano and WPP director Martin Menez will lead government’s panel and are expected to detail problems hounding the program.