By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has activated its Joint Focus Legal Action Team (JFLAT), a multi-agency initiative aimed at improving coordination between law enforcement and the justice sector to ensure stronger criminal case-building and prosecution.

PRO-NIR Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay led the activation of JFLAT, emphasizing that the initiative is meant to address common challenges in case documentation and evidence handling.

“This is not just about arrests but about ensuring that every case we file can withstand legal scrutiny,” Ibay said in a ceremony at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano, Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania on Tuesday, July 22.

The JFLAT will serve as a support mechanism for police units, providing real-time legal consultation during operations and harmonizing investigative procedures with prosecutorial standards.

Legal experts during the launch highlighted common pitfalls that lead to dismissed cases and stressed the importance of legal assessments before and after law enforcement operations.

Officials said the activation of JFLAT is part of a nationwide effort to close the gap between investigation and litigation, ultimately ensuring more effective and timely justice.

The launching gathered top officials from the police, military and intelligence agencies, along with key legal officers.

Also present at the event were Prosecutor II Flosener Chris I. Gonzales, who chairs JFLAT in Western Visayas, alongside Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Brigade, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Western Visayas Director Priscilla Escobin./CJ, WDJ