Marawi courts, DOJ prosecutors to resume operations in Iligan

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has airlifted office supplies and equipment to Marawi prosecutors in Mindanao so that they could resume their duties at a temporary holding office at the Hall of Justice in Iligan City.

Office supplies along with photocopiers, printers, computers were transported on a C-130 military plane.

The Hall of Justice in Marawi was closed shortly after the Maute terror group put the city under siege.

On Thursday, the Office of the Court Administrator (OCAD) of the Supreme Court ordered the resumption of operations of Marawi courts. But they will operate in Iligan City to ensure the safety of judges and court personnel.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said prosecutors would also hold office in the same area temporarily.

At the same time, Aguirre said he had created four panels of prosecutors to handle cases against members and supporters of the Maute Group.

He said each panel of prosecutors would have three members each.

“The members of the panel are still being chosen,” he added in a text message.

According to DOJ records, 89 Maute members are facing charges of kidnapping and kidnapping with murder at the Malabang Regional Trial Court in Lanao Del Sur.

The same court is also handling illegal possession of improvised explosive and incendiary devices filed against four other Maute members. /atm