DOJ, DILG working on system integration to prevent e-warrant leak

DOJ logo and police officer on the scene. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Interior and Local Government (DILG) are working together to put up safeguards on the electronic warrant system to make sure that no law enforcement operations are compromised.

The Enhanced e-Warrant System fully automates the issuance of warrants of arrests by the courts for a speedier and more effective service by law enforcement agents.

READ: SC allows courts to issue e-warrants to PNP arresting officers

Newly appointed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said there have been problems with the electronic warrants.

“So, we are sorting out the issues,” the younger Remulla told reporters.

On Friday, he met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to discuss the integration.

“Nag-integrate na kasi ang information technology ng SOJ at saka ng DILG so we have to put safeguards doon sa electronic warrants para siguraduhin na hindi nagkakasunugan ng interoperability ng mga law enforcement divisions, NBI, PNP, nagkakaroon ng problema iyan,” DILG Sec. Remulla said.

(The information technology of the DOJ and DILG is being integrated, so we have to put safeguards on electronic warrants to ensure there are no interoperability issues between law enforcement divisions, like the NBI and PNP. There have been problems.)

The DILG Secretary admitted that there were cases affected by the leak.

“Yes, there have been many. [But] no, I won’t mention specific cases, but there have been plenty of incidents where problems arise because of leaks,” he said.

He added: “Nate-trace yan kung anong agency ang nagpu pull-out (It can be traced to which agency is pulling out [the information]), so we are sorting out the matters. Its not about catching them now, its about preventing it in the future.”

The DILG Secretary said one of the possible solution they are seeing is the embargo system.

“Nagkaka-leak iyan eh so the warrant will be issued to the requesting agency, tapos parang embargo 6 hours 8 hours. So para exclusive yon, unless coordinated ang efforts, may system na may 6-hour embargo,” he said.

(Yes, there are leaks. So the warrant will be issued to the requesting agency. Then there will be something like an embargo. An embargo for about 6 to 8 hours at the least, unless the efforts are coordinated. We’re going to implement a system with a 6-hour embargo.)