have a bailiff keeping the peace in every court proceeding, regardless Lawmaker whether the case being heard is criminal or civil in nature," Pirnen- tel said. seek 3,000 At present, the only peace offi- cers in courts are the police or jail escorts of defendants in custody, he
new bailiff added.
"But there are cases wherein t}re defendant is out on bail or otherwise
positions free, in wbich case he or she cornes
to court wilhout any police or jail escort at all," the lawmaker said. By Rio N. Araja "In the pasl we've had highly publicized cases wherein, out of an- ger and Austration, people involved A SURIGAO del Sur lawmaker is batting for the creation of new posi- - in lawsuits launched attacks during tions for 3,000 armed peace ofrcers " iourt proceedings," Pimentel added.
or bailiffs in the judiciary to provide
Pimentel recalled the deadliest eruption of courffoom violence that "ample" court security. happened in Cebu City in 2013. "Judges, oourt personnel and litigants have become increasingly A retired Canadian joumalist charged with malicious mischief exposed to poiential violence when gunned down his accuser and a law- hearing cases. They" deserve ad- yer inside the Marcelo Feman Pal- equate protection. We should have ace ofJustice. at least one bailiff in every court- Armed with two handguns, John room," Rep. Johrury Pimentel said. Pope, who was then 66, shot dead Under the proposal, the bailiffs Reynolds Rafols, a pediatric sur- would form part ofthe regular court geon, and his lawyer, Jubian Achas, staff and exercise law enforcement as they waited for their hearing in- powers in buildings and properties side a courtroom being used byjudges. Pope also seriously wounded tiilt eitg assistant prosecutor Maria Theresa Casiffo in the head.