Manila, Philippines – DOJ officials led by Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, head of the DOJ’s law enforcement and prosecution cluster, and OIC Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon, met with officials of the United State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Officials (INL) and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) to thank them for the long-standing support to the DOJ in strengthening the capacities of prosecutors. He particularly mentioned the help of the US government in capacitating prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting money laundering, terrorism financing, and environmental crimes.

Usec. Andres also conveyed Secretary Remulla’s message expressing immense appreciation of the strong partnership with the US.

INL’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Brandon Yoder, who is in the country for the 3rd Philippines-United States Bilateral Maritime Dialogue, reiterated the US government’s commitment to the Philippines expressed during the PH-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Washington DC earlier this year. Together with IDLO-Philippines’ country manager Atty. Siavash Rahbari, and INL’s Deputy Director in the Philippines Mr. Luke Bruns, he assured the DOJ of needed support in sustaining the gains that the partnership has so far achieved.

Officials of both governments recognized the vital role of strong prosecutorial institutions in maintaining public trust and ensuring effective justice systems. Thus, among the joint projects that they agreed to undertake is the establishment of the DOJ Academy as a permanent training institution for prosecutors and the launching of a mentoring program of prosecutors.