Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)
MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said it is giving its "full support" to Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert whose warrants the Makabayan bloc wants to be investigated by the House Justice Committee.
"The DND gives its full support to Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert in the face of the Makabayan bloc’s baseless accusations that she had issued irregular warrants against activists and progressive groups. We firmly believe that a judge of the Honorable Villavert’s caliber does not issue warrants without probable cause," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.
He said by raising "baseless" accusations against the judge, the Makabayan bloc is not only impugning the character and integrity of Villavert but the nation's entire justice system.
"More importantly, the Makabayan bloc has confirmed what we have been saying all along that their members are fronts of the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army)," Lorenzana said.
Last December 15, the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution 1427 urging the House Justice Committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation.
The resolution said it was Villavert who authorized the conduct of raids in various offices of some militant groups in Tondo and Paco, Manila, and in Bacolod City last year.
It also pointed to Villavert as the one who issued "questionable" search warrants that led to the December 10 arrest of Manila Today journalist Lady Ann Salem, and union organizers of labor group Defend Jobs Philippines namely Dennise Velasco, Mark Ryan Cruz, Romina Astudillo, Jaymie Gregorio, Joel Demate, and Rodrigo Esparago.
The seven suspects, who are reportedly officials of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front, were arrested in simultaneous operations in Manila, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong.
In a statement Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) said that it supports the recently conducted law enforcement operations by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The search warrants used in the said operations were issued by Villavert and led to the suspected members of a criminal armed group later identified as CPP cadres residing in high-end condominium units and exclusive subdivisions.
It added that the PNP followed the proper procedures during the application and service of the search warrants.
"JTF NCR, AFP as one of the partners for peace and development at the National Capital Region, encourage everyone to follow the path of peace and condemn those who employ violence and/or intimidation against their own countrymen, especially officers of the court. Those arrested may avail of all the legal remedies provided under our democratic system including the right to due process. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in protecting our government officials, including judges, prosecutors, and those in charge of enforcing the criminal justice system, in ensuring that the rule of law prevails," the statement read. (PNA)
