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.
- Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II
In his May 29, 2017 letter, Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II requested Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Sereno to take the necessary and appropriate actions for the protection of the members of the judiciary who will eventually hear the cases to be filed against the members of the Maute Group who will be captured or who will surrender.
“With this in mind, justice may run its course without fear or violence and threat thereof,” Justice Secretary stated in his letter.
