MANILA, Philippines — All courts in Mindanao have been instructed to “remain open and all judges to remain in station, as far as their local circumstances may allow,” following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law over the southern island.
The instruction was issued by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Wednesday morning.
“All judges stationed in Mindanao are directed to report their current and continuing status to the Office of the Court Administrator through their respective executive judges,” Sereno’s instruction said.
Duterte declared martial law over Mindanao late Tuesday night, Manila time, hours after clashes broke out in Marawi City between government forces and what authorities described as local terrorists.
