Marawi courts reopen

MANILA, Philippines — The wheels of justice will turn again in Marawi as the courts reopened yesterday.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio led the reopening of courts, which were officially turned over to the Supreme Court by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur.

The courts in Marawi were among those damaged in the fighting between government troopers and Maute militants last year.

In his speech, Carpio thanked the Lanao del Sur government for renovating the courts even as he committed the full support of the high tribunal in the restoration of peace as well as administration and dispensation of justice in Marawi.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez joined Carpio during the turnover ceremony.

Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Bombit Adiong, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra and Lanao and Cagayan de Oro judges attended the event.

Also in Marawi,  a water project worth P76 million is underway through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat or Salintubig program.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said more than 2,000 households would have access to potable water when the project is completed in December next year. 

The Salintubig project covers seven priority barangays – Sagonsongan, Mipaga, Emie Punod, Basak Malutlut, East Basak, Poblacion and Moriatao Loksadato.

“The DILG has actively contributed to end the Marawi siege and to reclaim the city from local terrorist groups. The department continues to be proactive in its rehabilitation,” Año said.

The DILG and Department of National Defense lead the interagency task force Bangon Marawi sub-committee on security, peace and order, which is responsible for the restoration of water, electricity and other public utilities in the city.