RTC judge volunteers to go to Marawi City for court duty

DUMAGUETE CITY,Philippines — The presiding judge in one of the regional trial courts in Negros Oriental has volunteered to be sent to Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, in line with the directive of the Chief Justice for all courts in Mindanao to continue operating in spite of the declaration of martial law.

RTC Branch 30 Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan, Jr. said he volunteered for duty in the Marawi courts for 60 days but was denied for reasons of age.

As commander of the Technical Administrative Service, Judge Tan was asked to get volunteer lawyers and doctors to be called for active duty for 60 days and be deployed in Marawi City.

According to Judge Tan they need at least five to ten lawyers and doctors to volunteer.

The President has access to all intelligence information which the ordinary citizens do not have so he knows best for the country, Tan said.

He said Filipinos should support the President, saying “we only have one president, we are one country, we are Filipinos, so we should support him as law abiding citizen."

He added that "if we have not done anything wrong, there is nothing to be afraid of."

As to possible human rights violations, the presiding judge believes that it can be addressed.

In fact, the Department of National Defense has issued a directive to all military personnel to observe the human rights of individuals in affected areas, Judge Tan noted. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)