PASIG CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines convened a preliminary meeting on Feb. 25 at the IBP National Office for a proposed security summit to discuss coordinated and institutional measures for the protection of lawyers, judges, and court personnel amid continuing security concerns affecting the legal profession.
The Judiciary was represented by Atty. Robert Francis D. Cauilan, judiciary marshal, and Atty. Bianca Celest T. Benitez of the Office of the Chief Marshal. They participated in discussions on court security and the protection of judicial officers and personnel, consistent with the Judiciary’s mandate to ensure the orderly administration of justice.
The summit was led by IBP national president and chairperson of the 27th Board of Governors Atty. Allan G. Panolong, together with IBP national officers and directors, including Atty. Patrick M. Velez, national executive director; Atty. Mary Claire M. Hernandez, national director for operations; Judge Marivic T. Daray, national director for gender and development; Atty. Stephanie Kate C. Arevalo-Alberto, National Secretary; Atty. Niccolai Brigette M. Reyes, assistant national secretary; Atty. Ana Rosario Padua, deputy director for operations; and Atty. Ma. Cristina P. Yambot, NCLA deputy director on human rights.
Atty. Dick F. Fernandez, governor for Central Luzon Region, Atty. Susanne C. Lacson, governor for Western Visayas Region, Atty. Carmelita Y. Sison, chancellor of the IBP Academy, Atty. Job Florante L. Castillo, national director for peer assistance, and Rafael Crescencio C. Tan, Jr., former governor for Western Visayas, joined virtually via Zoom.
In his opening remarks, Atty. Panolong emphasized that the summit was convened “not merely to convene a meeting, but to confront a reality that demands courage, coordination, and decisive action.”
He noted that the summit’s theme, United for Safety, reflects a collective commitment to protect those who uphold the rule of law, stressing that “the safety of legal professionals is not a sectoral concern—it is a national imperative.”
Atty. Panolong further underscored the broader implications of security threats against members of the legal profession, stating that “when lawyers and judges are threatened, justice itself is placed at risk,” and warning that “when fear enters the courtroom, the rule of law is diminished.”
𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
The National Security Council was represented by director Monico S. Batle, Atty. Shena Marie A. Lopez, national security specialist V, legal service, and Ma. Carmina B. Acuna, assistant secretary.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines participated through Capt. Jose Ma. Victor Pedrasa, legal officer.
Law enforcement and security agencies present included the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, led by Atty. Jerome Abraham M. Reyes; the National Police Commission through Atty. Kristofferson D. Diwas, legal affairs service; and the Philippine National Police, represented by Capt. Ralph Waldo C. Perez, chief, special event section, special operations division, and Col. Mellany Basañez, chief, legal assistance division.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center was represented by Atty. Jayson Soriano and Atty. Noel Carlo Gracilla.
𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
The Commission on Human Rights was represented by Atty. Christa Balonkita and Atty. Klarise Fortaleza, both from the legal division.
Other government offices in attendance included the Department of Justice, represented by Atty. Raphael Niccolo Martinez, spokesperson; the Department of Transportation through Atty. Noel C. Alarcon, legal service department; and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, represented by Atty. Charleen Myre C. Mejia, legislative and legal service.
The summit aims to strengthen interagency coordination, identify security risks and gaps, standardize protective protocols, and develop concrete, timebound action plans to address threats against members of the legal profession.
In closing, Atty. Panolong underscored the shared responsibility of participating institutions, stating that “attacks on legal professionals will not be tolerated, and protection of those who serve the justice system is a shared responsibility.”
The IBP reiterated its unwavering commitment to partner with the Judiciary and other institutions in strengthening collective initiatives to protect legal
