Alarmed over the dismally low conviction rate of court cases related to illegal drugs, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto has convened law enforcers and members of the judiciary and brainstormed with them how to build an air-tight case against illegal drug traders. The problem on illegal drugs has reached its alarming level, according to a pronouncement by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Virgilio Mendez. Gov. Edgar Chatto met with Executive Judge Suceso Arcamo, Judge Leo Lison, Provincial Prosecutor Macario Delusa, City Prosecutor Romeo Chatto, PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Dennis Agustin, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Bohol) President lawyer Menedio Thaddeus Bernido and lawyer Antonino Jumawid, Provincial Legal Officer Mitchell John Boiser, and Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II.

The governor called the meeting to level off facts and gaps in light of statistics showing a low rate of conviction in drug cases. Law enforcement agencies agreed a strong collective and cohesive action will gain public trust and encourage the involvement of the whole community in the anti-drug campaign. In the assessment of needs, judiciary and police heads reconciled statements made by members of their ranks as far as factors contributing to the low conviction rate in drug cases. The group ironed out strategies to bridge gaps in the prosecution side, including the initial steps in the implementation of a continuing education program.

This will involve law enforcers with the support of the fiscal offices as well as the judges specifically on technical elements and procedures on drug prosecution. They also explored the creation of a police task force, akin to a specialized unit, who will handle drug operations and prosecution. The governor had directed the PNP to strongly adopt a system of case conferencing, which will enhance preparedness and coordination of agencies involved in building the case. The IBP also plans to lead a case review team tasked to review drug cases, whether these result to a conviction or acquittal. Through this, factors that strengthened or weakened the case may be determined.

The IBP expects the support of its organization as well as the involvement of law students and anti-drug advocacy groups in this. In addition, the assistance of the Department of Justice will be sought for a special counsel prosecutor for drug cases, as well as the creation of a manualized procedure for case handling that will lead to a successful prosecution. Chatto said the plans to tighten prosecution of drug cases will complement efforts of law enforcement authorities in the apprehension of drug violators. Meanwhile, the governor, in his sorties with the barangays, has been challenging barangay captains to rally in the cause versus illegal drugs and make their communities drug-free. (Leah Sumampong)