Cops facing job-related charges to get legal aid

Policemen facing charges before the court in connection with their duties will soon be given legal aid.

This after the Provincial Board has authorized Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to enter into memorandum of agreement with the Cebu Provincial Police Office and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter for the establishment of legal assistance for effective law enforcement program.

Provincial Board members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero, who sponsored the resolution, said that Capitol, CPPO and IBP have agreed in principle for the establishment of the program in providing free legal services to members of the PNP who are charged for offenses in connection with their duties.

They will also be provided free legal assistance to PNP units and personnel in the form of legal education and training. 

Calderon and Caminero said that the memorandum has been prepared that also aims to enhance the legal working knowledge of every PNP member in the performance of their official functions, in order for them to avoid criminal, civil or administrative liabilities that may arise in the performance of their duties.

Presently, the PNP has 102 legal officers presently detailed with the different regional and provincial police offices and national support units.

PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. said the PNP has an outstanding Memorandum of Agreement for free legal assistance with the IBP and the Free Legal Assistance for Good Cops. 

He added that while there are a number of issues and concerns affecting the PNP’s opportunity to avail of free legal services from government agencies, the PNP is also getting the private sector’s support to help policemen who are in trouble for job-related charges.  — Garry B. Lao/BRP