CCJE Faculty Upskills in Human Rights-Compliant Investigative Interviewing

The faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) underwent a crucial two-day Upskilling Program focused on human rights-compliant methods of Investigative Interviewing. The said activity was held on November 22-23, 2025 at the Iyaman Hall, CCDC. The activity aimed to upgrade the learning of the participants in investigation, particularly on techniques that respect human rights as an alternative to traditional police interrogation.

The specialized seminar was made possible through collaboration of organizations dedicated to justice and human rights particularly the PCAP-CAR Chapter, UC Rights 2 Life, and the Philippine Investigation and Forensic Science Academy (PIFSA).

The intensive program featured distinguished speakers who delivered comprehensive sessions critical to modern criminal justice practices. Judge Adolfo Malingan (Ret.) tackled Oversights of Custodial Investigation, covering the causes of case dismissals, the legal and procedural foundations, offering essential insights into the legal limits and supervision governing police custody and questioning.

Dr. Rachelle B. Lintao shared on The Mendez Principles and Interviewing Child Witness which focused on the globally accepted guidelines for ethical and effective interviewing of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, ensuring that all procedures adhere strictly to human rights standards.

The second day of the session featured Dr. Rudy Gahar and PLT Pedro B Barsane Jr (Ret.) as they shared their trainings and experiences in the field of Investigative Interviewing Techniques. It was focused on the practical application of evidence-based interviewing. They shared to the participants interviewing techniques that prioritize the ethical gathering of accurate information over coercion or confession extraction.

This professional development initiative emphasizes the CCJE’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of criminal justice education, ensuring that faculty members are equipped with the most current, ethical, and rights-compliant methodologies.

This recent relearning of faculty members is expected to impact their teachings in the different Criminology subjects involving investigation. As the CCJE Dean, Dr. Dennis M. Butag, said that “continues capacitation of faculty members is necessary to be able to continually deliver quality education to the students.”

The CCJE Faculty formally extends its profound gratitude to the CCDC Administration for consistently providing essential faculty development opportunities that elevate the college’s academic and professional standards.

By: Sheina Ledda