THE local judiciary and City Government of Naga will host the city’s first-ever Anti-Dangerous Drugs Summit on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

The summit aims to educate law enforcers on new court guidelines to prevent the dismissal of cases due to technicalities.

The initiative, proposed by Executive Judge Pablo Cabillan Formaran III of the Regional Trial Court, who is also the Naga City Justice Zone (NCJZ) Convenor, seeks to align law enforcement practices with recent judicial procedures.

The summit will feature participation from lawyers, prosecutors, judges, law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders, providing a platform to discuss and understand the latest rules for filing drug charges.

Renne Gumba, Executive Director of the Public Safety Office, highlighted the urgency of this summit. He noted that many cases are dismissed due to law enforcement’s lack of awareness of new procedures.

He cited the Rochelle Bandojo case, dismissed in July 2023 over technical issues, as a prime example.

“I believe that this summit will address these challenges by enhancing the knowledge of our police and other law enforcers, from evidence gathering to case filing and courtroom presentation,” Gumba stated.

He emphasized that the summit aligns with Naga’s status as a ‘Justice Zone,’ a designation by the Supreme Court aimed at expediting and thoroughly resolving court cases.

The summit will also cover court requirements to ensure cases are not dismissed, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to stay updated with new regulations. Gumba expressed hope that decision-makers at the executive level will actively participate in the event.

Mayor Nelson Legacion and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force are intensifying efforts against illegal drugs, with initiatives such as clearing the Sagrada Familia community of drug operations and promoting the “Isumbong Ang Pusher” hotline.

Gumba believes that the summit will bolster these efforts, reducing the dismissal of drug-related cases and strengthening the city’s fight against illegal drugs.

The summit will be conducted at the Primus Hotel and Resort in Barangay Pacol, starting at 1:00 PM with opening remarks by Vice-Executive Judge Jorge John DS. Aganan, presiding judge of RTC Branch 26. Executive Judge and Presiding Judge of RTC Br. 3 (Balanga City) Marion Jacqueline P. Poblete will deliver the keynote address, followed by a message from City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion.

During the summit proper, Police Major Rodolfo Zamudio, acting chief of CIU, will discuss the drug situation, challenges, issues, and recommendations. Prosecutor Nestor Delos Reyes will address legal concerns, the conviction rate, challenges, issues, and recommendations. Atty. Alex Tejerero, a prosecution attorney, will give a talk on prosecution.

Executive Judge Pablo C. Formaran III will cover drug case disposal, other legal concerns, challenges, and recommendations. Mayor Legacion will share interventions, related projects, and recommendations from LGU Naga.

Judge Valentin R. Pura Jr. and Prosecutor Romell Chrisante F. Agbayani will serve as facilitators during the open forum. Judge Melita Pilar P. Briñas Agbayani will summarize the agreements and decision points, and City Prosecutor Ruvi Jean V. Cariño will conclude the activity with her closing remarks.