NBI, IBP sign agreement to protect lawyers, judiciary members  

PHILSTAR

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) signed a memorandum of agreement on June 25 to strengthen coordination and communication to prevent further attacks against lawyers and members of the judiciary.  

In a news release on Tuesday, the NBI said under the agreement, it committed to “provide timely assistance to lawyers, prosecutors, and magistrates in distress and extend appropriate security and protection in cases of threats or hazards in the performance of their duties and functions as may be allowed by law and regulations.”   

The IBP, meanwhile, “will provide legal assistance, through its legal aid program, to qualified NBI personnel who are unjustly harassed for doing their job and who do not have access to competent lawyers.”    

In addition, the lawyers’ group will provide a reward fund to encourage informants and witnesses in incidents of killing or attack against lawyers, prosecutors, and magistrates.   

The five-page document was signed by NBI Officer-in-Charge-Director Eric B. Distor and IBP President Domingo Egon Q. Cayosa. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago