DOJ: 30 prosecutors to handle continuous trials vs Maute militants

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is already choosing 30 Metro Manila prosecutors to handle cases against members and supporters of the terrorist Maute group, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Wednesday.

He said the 30 prosecutors will be part of the two panels with 15 members each. Each panel will be headed by a senior prosecutor.

“We are already choosing at least 30 members of the panel for them to undergo training on continuous trial in these rebellion cases,” Aguirre said in a text message.

Continuous trials have been adopted in several areas of Metro Manila to cut trials of criminal cases from three to five years to only three months. The trial will be from Monday to Thursday starting at 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then at 2 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

The Supreme Court designated Regional Trial Courts in Cagayan De Oro (CDO) to act as special courts to handle Maute cases. The high court also designated Camp Evangelista in CDO to serve as the detention for the arrested members and supporters of the Maute group.

READ: Maute mom, ex-Marawi mayor charged with rebellion

The DOJ sought a reconsideration and asked that the special court be in Taguig while the detention is at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) in Camp Bagong Diwa. Aguirre said CDO is still a risky area considering its proximity to Marawi and Lanao Del Norte.

READ: Aguirre wants Taguig court, jail to handle Maute cases, detention

Aguirre already met Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last week who already approved of his proposal. He added that the Chief Justice also wants an expeditious proceeding, hence the continuous trial system.

Aguirre said the prosecutors will already start their training even before the high court resolves their motion for reconsideration.

The DOJ’s motion for reconsideration is still subject for deliberation by the high court in full session. IDL