DOJ mulls creation of special courts for Maute members

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. PHOTO BY JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

For the protection of judges and prosecutors in Mindanao particularly in Marawi City, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said they will ask for the creation of special courts that will handle cases against members of the Maute group.

Aguirre on Thursday met with members of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) in Mindanao to hear their concerns following the declaration of martial law in the south.

“Yes, I met with some regional and city prosecutors here in Mindanao and we discussed the change of venue or creation of special courts to protect our judges and prosecutors,” Aguirre said in a text message to reporters.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno earlier announced that the courts in Mindanao will remain open.

She also required the judges to report their situations and conditions at the Office of the Court Administration.

Aguirre said it would be best that cases filed against Maute group members be handled by courts in some other parts of the country other than Mindanao. JPV/rga