Sereno: It's business as usual in Mindanao courts

CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sererno has ordered all court personnel in Mindanao to remain in their station amid President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law due to terrorist attack in Marawi City.

"The Chief Justice directs all courts in Mindanao to remain open and all judges to remain in station, as far as their local circumstances may allow," the SC Public Information Office said Wednesday.

Sereno has also ordered judges in Mindanao to report their current and continuing status to the Office of the Court of Administrator (OCA).

Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.

Duterte on Tuesday placed the entire Mindanao region under martial law amid the ongoing clashes between suspected ISIS members in Marawi City.

On Tuesday terrorist group, Maute, burned the Dansalan College, Marawi City Jail, St. Mary's Church and Ninoy Aquino School.

The President's declaration will be in effect for 60 days unless the Congress decides to revoke or extend it. (Keith A. Calayag/ SunStar Philippines)