The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday announced the lockdown of five courts in Mindanao due to rising incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.
An SC bulletin said the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MTCs) in the Samal, Davao del Norte and Davao City will be locked down until February 2 and 3, respectively.
A lockdown was also ordered in the 1st Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Indanan and Parang and the MTC of Jolo, all in Sulu, province, Monday to Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the lockdown of the Cabadbaran City Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Agusan del Norte will be until February 2.
The SC last week ordered the physical closure of courts under Alert Levels 3 and 4: Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Mountain Province (Cordillera region); Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (Mimaropa); Masbate (Bicol); Siquijor (Central Visayas); Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay (Zamboanga Peninsula); Lanao del Norte (Northern Mindanao); Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental (Davao region); North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat (Soccsksargen); Surigao del Norte (Caraga); and Maguindanao and Basilan (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).
Even if physically closed, courts may conduct online hearings to decide on urgent matters, such as inquests, bail petitions, promulgations of acquittals, or dismissals in criminal cases. (PNA)