SC: Pasig judges get death threats

MANILA, Philippines —  The Supreme Court confirmed yesterday that several branches of the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) received email messages containing death threats directed at two unnamed judges, prompting the SC to look into the matter and tighten security.

SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting said the trial courts had coordinated with the Pasig police, which dispatched a Special Weapons and Tactics team to ensure the safety of the judges, court personnel and the public.

The high tribunal, through the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, launched an investigation in coordination with the police Anti-Cybercrime Group and the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Cybercrime Division.

“The probe aims to identify and apprehend the perpetrators as well as pursue legal actions. To protect the integrity of the investigation and the safety of those concerned, further details remain confidential at this time,” Ting said in a statement.

The SC assured the public that the Pasig judges will continue to carry out their duties “with integrity and calm resolve, guided by fairness and the rule of law.”

Ting also urged concerned stakeholders to remain vigilant and “continue supporting the judicial process with trust and respect.”

The SC did not identify the judges who received death threats.

In a screenshot provided by the SC, the email senders urged Pasig court judges to take caution as “two of them will be shot in the middle of a hearing. The gunmen are already in position.”

“Be vigilant. Our target today are judges. Don’t take any chances. Evacuate immediately,” the two emails read.

Among the high-profile personalities facing cases before the Pasig courts are expelled Bamban mayor Alice Guo and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy.

Guo is being held at the Pasig City Jail. She is on trial for 62 counts of money laundering and human trafficking over her alleged involvement in a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Bamban.

Quiboloy, who is also detained at the city jail, is facing non-bailable charges of qualified human trafficking before the Pasig RTC Branch 159.