31 judges killed since 1999: Group wants 'marshal system' for judges

A local group of judges is pushing for the creation of a marshal system that will protect members of the Philippine judiciary. That new unit, to be patterned after the United States marshal service, could be put under the direct authority of the Supreme Court, similar to marshals in Guam.

Speaking to ANC, Philippine Judges Association president Felix Reyes said a total of 31 judges have been killed in the Philippines since 1999, including 5 under the Duterte administration. 

Ninety percent of the victims were regional trial court judges.

If the marshal system is approved, he said at least 500 marshals will be hired to secure judges all over the country particularly those handling high-profile cases. 

He said the marshals will conduct death threat assessment for judges who receive threats.