Supreme Court issues IRR for Judiciary Marshals Act

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for RA 11691 or the Judiciary Marshals Act.

Enacted in 2022, the Judiciary Marshals Act aims to ensure the safety of judges, court personnel, and court properties while maintaining the integrity of court proceedings.

“Judiciary Marshals will be deployed to secure court premises, including halls of justice, courthouses, and official judiciary events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings,” the SC said in a statement.

The Office of the Judiciary Marshals, which operates under the Supreme Court, has the authority to investigate threats, conduct lawful arrests and seizures, and assist in enforcing writs and court processes. 

Judicial marshals are equipped with firearms and can investigate crimes committed against judiciary members and allegations of graft and corruption within the judicial system.

They are allowed to issue subpoenas, apply for search warrants, administer oaths, and access public records from other government agencies. 

They are also tasked with protecting witnesses, including securing the transportation of accused individuals or witnesses when ordered by the court.

A chief marshal will head the Office of the Judiciary Marshals. He will be assisted by three deputy marshals, who will be in charge of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Office of the Judiciary Marshals will be composed of a Judicial Security and Operations Division, an Investigation and Intelligence Division, a Legal Division, and a Digital Forensic Service. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News