CEBU CITY – As the number of drug-related cases being handled by the courts has increase, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 7 wants more police officers assigned to the Palace of Justice in Cebu City’s North Reclamation Area.
RTC 7 Executive Judge Soliver Peras expressed concerns about their safety now that the drive against illegal drugs, most of them ending up being litigated in courts, has reached fever pitch.
In his letter to PRO 7 director Noli Taliño, Peras said there are about 3,000 persons in Qimonda Palace of Justice everyday, morning and afternoon and that the number of security guards and policemen assigned are not enough to ensure safety.
In his evaluation, Peras said the Qimonda Hall of Justice still needs more policemen who could “at least minimize the risks” that the judges, lawyers, litigants, court personnel and witnesses would be facing.
Peras, whose previous police escorts were taken away from him, said he recently received five drug cases from Malaybalay, Bukidnon after the judges and prosecutors there inhibited themselves from handling them.
Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, deputy mayor for peace and order, said he sees the need to augment security in the courts of the city because of the relentless drive against illegal drugs. (Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.)