DOJ airlifts equipment, supplies for Marawi prosecutors’ temporary office in Iligan

In his letter, Aguirre (pictured) said such move is necessary so that “justice may run its course without fear or violence and threat thereof”. (Photo: Jess Escaros Jr./PNA)

MANILA — Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday said the agency already sent office supplies and equipment to Marawi City Prosecutors in their temporary office in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

Aguirre said the equipment was airlifted by a C-130 military aircraft that left Villamor Air Base Friday morning for Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

“We are thankful that our prosecutors from Marawi City are safe. We need to provide them with all that we can to help them start serving the people again. Justice is a 24/7 commitment of the DOJ. The airlift of equipment and supplies to our prosecutors is our way of ensuring that we honor that commitment,” the DoJ Secretary said in a statement.

Loaded on board the military plane were photocopiers, printers and desktop computers that would be used by the prosecutors. The equipment would immediately be brought to the Hall of Justice in Iligan City.

“I wish to thank the Department of National Defense under Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for making this airlift possible. We have to equip our Marawi City prosecutors so that they can resume with their duties of serving our people,” Aguirre added.

On Thursday, Supreme Court’s Office of the Court Administrator (OCAD) ordered the resumption of operation of the Marawi courts. It will, however hold operation in Iligan City to ensure the safety of judges and court personnel.

Meanwhile, Aguirre said he has created four panels of prosecutors to handle cases against members and supporters of the Maute terror group.

He said each panel of prosecutors will have three members. The members of the panel are still being chosen.

DOJ records showed that there are 89 Maute members facing kidnapping and kidnapping with murder cases before 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.