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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) requested the Supreme Court to designate special courts in Luzon and Visayas to hear cases to be filed against members of the Maute terrorist group.
Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II asked Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to take necessary actions for the protection of the members of the judiciary who will take over cases that will be filed against members of the militant group.
"In order to protect our judges and the judicial system from possible threats and acts of violence, the Department of Justice most respectfully requests that special courts in Visayas or in Luzon be designated to hear criminal cases to be filed in relation to this rebellion and other crimes which may be filed against members of the Maute Terror Group and other armed groups tagged as terrorists,"Aguirre said in a letter dated May 29.
Aguirre noted that the DOJ will take charge in prosecuting the persons liable for the attack on Marawi City.
The agency will file corresponding criminal cases in appropriate courts once the military and police forces capture those who are responsible for the attacks.
The courts in Marawi City would have territorial jurisdiction over cases against the Maute group following court rules.
"The events which unfold recently, however, have led me to believe that the Courts in Mindanao, more so in Marawi City, which will hear the cases to be filed in connection with this uprising shall be the target of further terror attacks," Aguirre said.
Aguirre stressed that having special courts outside Mindanao will ensure the safety of those who will take part in the proceedings.
The Justice secretary made the request after meeting with prosecutors in Mindanao who aired their issues and concerns regarding members of the local terror group.
DOJ records showed that 89 Maute members are facing kidnapping and kidnapping with murder cases before the Malabang Regional Trial Court in Lanao Del Sur. Meanwhile, four of their members are facing charges of illegal possession of improvised explosive device before the same court.
Sereno earlier directed Mindanao courts to remain open despite the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the region.
— Patricia Lourdes Viray
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