Judiciary marshals tasked to secure judiciary officials and personnel, courts and halls of justices and even witnesses are ready carry out their tasks.

This developed as the Supreme Court officially released the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11691 or the Judiciary Marshals Act to ensure the full implementation of the law and operationalize the Office of the Judiciary Marshals.

Enacted two years ago, the Judiciary Marshals Act has been passed by Congress to address the alarming increase in violent crimes that have targeted members of the judiciary. Many of these cases are still pending and remain unsolved.

The law aims to safeguard judges, court personnel, and court properties while maintaining the integrity of court proceedings.

Under the Judiciary Marshals Act, the Office of the Judiciary Marshals is tasked with ensuring the security, safety, and protection of Judiciary members, officials, personnel, and assets.

It operates under the direct control and supervision of the Supreme Court and is empowered to investigate threats, conduct lawful arrests and seizures, and assist in the enforcement of writs and court processes.

The operationalization of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals is a key component of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, specifically under the target outcome of Efficiency.

The SPJI acknowledges that the safety and security of the judiciary are vital to maintaining judicial independence and effective court operations.

Judiciary Marshals will be deployed to secure court premises, including hallof justice, courthouses, and official judiciary events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings.

They are also tasked with providing protection to witnesses, including the secure transportation of accused individuals or witnesses when ordered by the court.

, the Office of the Judiciary Marshals is empowered to investigate crimes committed against members of the Judiciary, as well as allegations of graft and corruption within the judicial system.

To perform these functions, marshals can issue subpoenas, apply for search warrants, administer oaths, and access public records from other government agencies, all while adhering to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act.

To improve their operational effectiveness, Judicial Marshals shall undergo continuous training at the Judiciary Marshals Academy, which is a dedicated training unit within the Office.

They are also required to undergo periodic physical and neuropsychological assessments to monitor their physical and mental fitness to continue performing their duties. Officials and qualified personnel will be equipped with registered and appropriate firearms.

The Office of the Judiciary Marshals will be led by a Chief Marshal, assisted by three Deputy Marshals responsible for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively. It shall be composed of at least the following line offices: (1) Judicial Security and Operations Division; (2) Investigation and Intelligence Division; (3) Legal Division; and (4) Digital Forensic Service.

The Office of the Court Administrator will provide additional supervisory support to the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives.

The Judiciary Marshals IRR shall take effect 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette, or in two newspapers of general circulation.