NPS calls for arming of prosecutors amid ‘incessant’ killings

The National Prosecution Service (NPS) of the Department of Justice, through its chief Jorge Catalan Jr., on Wednesday called for the arming of prosecutors as it condemned the "incessant gruesome killings" of prosecutors in the past two decades.

Fourteen prosecutors have been "brutally killed" over the last 26 years, their deaths unresolved until the present, the NPS said in a statement issued on the heels of the fatal shooting of former Ozamiz City prosecutor Geronimo Marabe Jr. on Tuesday.

"The figures do not lie. These blatant attacks have disturbingly escalated through the years. With each statistic more deliberate and brazen than the last, showing how these shameless perpetrators have become fearless of anything or anyone," the statement said.

"It is high time that a nationwide call to arm the NPS be made, that self-defense trainings and mechanisms be set in place to safeguard the very lives of these selfless public servants."

Between 1992 and May 22 this year, the following prosecutors of differing ranks had been killed, according to the NPS: Macario Balansag, Antonino Ruiz, Julio Talomo, Godofredo Paceno, Jr., Mscadatar Marsangca, Akilali Balt, Alexander Sandoval, Rolando Acido, Johanne Noel Mingoa, Diosdado Azarcon, Maria "Kit" Ronatay, Reymund Luna, Rogelio Velasco, and Marabe.

"Most of them were targeted in the line of duty and their deaths were obviously work-related," the NPS said.

"Scarred and disturbed" as it is, with some prosecutors "demoralized" in performing their high-risk job, the NPS vowed to stand its ground as it continues to pursue justice for their slain colleagues.

"Make no mistake, the NPS shall stand its ground. These atrocities will never disable nor destroy this stable institution. We stand united and strong in these challenging times," it said.

The NPS also expressed its sympathy to the kin of Marabe, a former public prosecutor for several cases including the Parojinog family, who has been linked to criminal activities. He was reportedly driving his car when he was shot dead by four unidentified men. —Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News