AT LEAST 40 prosecutors in Davao Region gathered Wednesday, May 24, for a focus-group discussion on drug-related cases organized by the Regional State Prosecution Office at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
Davao City assistant prosecutor Imee Bisera–Mabale said the discussion focused on the identification of best practices in the prosecution of cases on drugs and related cases to help improve the conviction rate of such cases in the city.
"From here, personally, I would also like to conduct seminars and workshops for the law enforcement officers so we could work hand-in-hand in prosecuting drug cases and improve the conviction rate," Mabale said.
The City Prosecution Office does not have the exact data as of the moment, but Mabale said the numbers of those acquitted are higher than those convicted. She added that this is more on the failure on prosecution.
"When we say failure on prosecution, it is not only the fault of the prosecutor but the prosecution’s witnesses. Those who arrested the accused, walana established or na preserve ang integrity of the dangerous drugs," Mabale said.
The discussion was pushed in accordance to memorandum circular 005, which directs regional offices, including city and provincial prosecution offices to optimize efforts of the government to counter the drug problem in the country through effective implementation of the National Anti-Drug Plan of Action. (ICT)