THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is ready to provide security to judges and other members of the judiciary who are under threat.

“The PNP is ready to provide security to judges and members of the judiciary who need it, especially those who have validated threats against their lives,” PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said.

He made the statement following the killing of two lawyers in Muntinlupa and Antipolo recently.

On September 5, 2019, a 73-year old lawyer was shot dead while having lunch with his family in a fastfood chain in Antipolo, Rizal.

On September 21, 2019, lawyer and retired police official Jesus Acpal was killed by unidentified suspects in front of his house in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City.

At least 40 members of the judiciary, including judges and lawyers, from across the country have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in July 2016.

The Philippine Judges Association earlier called for the passage of a law creating a Philippine marshals system that would provide security to judges nationwide. (SunStar Philippines)