Espino calls on judges to help cops
LINGAYEN–Gov. Amado Espino Jr. called on members of the judiciary to help police officers in their efforts to address crime in the province by expediting the issuance of search warrants.
Espino made the call during the induction of officers of the Philippine Judges Association, Pangasinan Chapter headed by Regional Trial Court Judge Ulysses Butuyan of Branch 51 in Tayug.
The governor said that while he respects and understands the position of judges in terms of impartiality and fairness, there is also a need to give special consideration to how crucial time is when tracking down suspected criminals.
Espino said timely search warrants are particularly important for police operations against illegal drugs.
He also stressed the need for closer coordination between police authorities and the judiciary as he cited one case wherein a suspect in three murders was granted bail.
“There is a need for judges, prosecutors and policemen to coordinate with each other to so that they can work together in making Pangasinan safer,” Espino said.
For his part, Butuyan vowed to hold dialogues and consultation with all sectors, including the police, media, the academe and the communities.
Butuyan said he also wants to make people understand the intricacies of the law so its application can be effective.
The other officers of the PJA chapter are RTC Judge Hermogenes Fernandez of Branch 56 in San Carlos City, vice president; RTC Judge Emma Bauzon of Branch 57 in Lingayen, secretary; RTC Judge Teodoro Fernandez of Branch 58 in Lingayen, treasurer; RTC Judge Tita Villarin of Branch 42 in Urdaneta City, auditor; and RTC Judge Elizabeth Berdal of Branch 47 in Urdaneta City, press relations officer.
The directors are RTC Judge Elpedio Abella of Branch 55 in Alaminos City, RTC Judge Renato Pinlac of Branch 57, RTC Judge Florentino Dumlao of Branch 42 and RTC Judge Manuel Pastor Jr. of Branch 50 in Villasis.
