The Philippine Army must be well trained and aptly equipped with the knowledge of law to efficiently perform its vital function as protector of the people and the State as enshrined under Article II, Section 3, of the 1987 Constitution.
This was the objective of the three-day seminar conducted by Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development of Silliman University with the initiative of the 302nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army on June 5-7, 2011 at Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay titled “Law Enforcement Seminar.”
The activity was participated by 20 members of 302 Infantry (Achiever) Brigade directed by 1Lt. Mark Nester S. Mondia.
Maj. Conrado P. Evangelista, Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, formally opened the said seminar. Maj. Jason Laureano y Aquino, Brigade Executive Officer of 302nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, delivered an inspirational message to the participants emphasizing Ignorantia legis non excusat, the Latin term for the maxim “ignorance of the law excuses no one”.
The Director of the Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development, Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, commenced the training through a lecture on the essentials of the Philippines’ Anti-Torture Act and on the provisions of the international law on genocide and other crimes against humanity.
The second day of the seminar started with a lecture from a volunteer lawyer of the Salonga Center, Atty. Elizabeth Karla P. Aguilan. She presented a thorough lecture on R.A 7438 or the act defining certain rights of person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation as well as the duties of the arresting, detaining and investigating officers Custodial Investigation.
Another volunteer lawyer of the Salonga Center, Atty. Terrence Anton T. Callao, lectured on Artice 125 of the Revised Penal Code or the delay in the delivery of detained persons to the proper judicial authorities.
Atty. Jason Bandal of the Public Attorney’s Office of Dumaguete City lectured on the basics of the issuance of warrants of arrest, the lawful way conducting searches and seizures, the procedure on inquest and Rules of Evidence.
On the third day, Atty. Romela Ann Lozano-Napao, another volunteer lawyer of the Center, concluded the seminar by an interactive affidavit-making activity.
The participants were given sufficient time to clarify questions through an open forum after every session. Salonga Center volunteers who were present in the seminar were Karissa Faye Tolentino, Ihra Faith Magno, Gracelyn Bellingan, Rochelle Rea Lu and Kenny Melody Hotingoy, and Candice Barilea along with Andrea Alviola.
Col Francisco M. Patrimonio, Commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade, awarded certificates of completion and appreciation to the participants and guest lecturers. (PR)
