Davao City Justice Zone

OPERATION: THE LEGAL FRONTIER

The Davao City Justice Zone, in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), successfully conducted a two-day Capacity Training for members of the Barangay council, IP Leaders, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) on Virtual Hearings on May 25–26, 2026 at Ritz Hotel.

The activity was conducted in preparation for the establishment of Judicial Hubs to be piloted in Brgy. Salumay and Brgy. Malabog.

These Judicial Hubs aim to assist litigants from far-flung communities by providing a venue where they may attend court hearings without the need to travel to the Hall of Justice in Ecoland.

The hubs are likewise envisioned to serve as community access points for legal assistance and consultations with various legal aid providers such as the IBP Legal Aid, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and Law School Legal Aid Centers.

Participants underwent training on:
✅Managing Video Conferencing Hearings
✅Understanding Indigenous Peoples and IPRA
✅The Courts and the Philippine Legal System
✅Case Procedure and Court Decorum
✅The Legal Aid System

The activity concluded with a simulation exercise where participants were given a glimpse of an actual virtual hearing setup through MS Teams allowing them to better understand their role in assisting litigants in the Judicial Hubs.

This initiative reflects a continuing commitment to inclusivity and ensures that even those in geographically isolated and underserved communities are given meaningful and convenient access to legal services and the courts.

The PROLECCCS, a banner program of the Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ), spearheaded by Hon. Catherine G. Barrion, successfully conducted a lecture on “Arrest, Search, and Handling of Smuggling Cases: Procedural Compliance and Jurisdiction under RA 10863 and Other Related Laws” on May 15, 2026 at the Sandigan Hall, Davao City Police Office.

The activity gathered forty (40) police investigators from twenty (20) police stations across Davao City. This aims to increase the number of convictions by strengthening the investigators’ legal knowledge, procedural compliance, and inter-agency coordination in addressing smuggling and related offenses.

Present during the activity were City Director PCOL Peter Madria, NAPOLCOM Regional Director Ma. Teresa E. Pacudan, RTC Davao City Executive Judge and DCJZ Convenor Hon. Rowena M. Apao-Adlawan, PTCOL Nolan Raquid, PMAJ Ma. Teresita Gaspan, NAPOLCOM ARD Atty. Ralph Mendoza, and Atty. Suzzete Atmosfera-Tan.

Lectures were delivered by Pros. Omar Soriano and Pros. Jervis Gaspar from the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office, who shared valuable insights on the proper conduct of arrests and searches, as well as the handling of smuggling cases under existing laws and jurisprudence.

This initiative reflects the continuing dedication of the DCJZ and the Davao City Police Office to uphold the rule of law through collaboration and capacity-building.

Kudos to all the organizers, lecturers, participants and to Atty. Dania Alcoran, Atty. Jed Weesen Serrano, and Rey Alcano for their unwavering commitment to enhancing law enforcement competency.

The Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ) recently held a productive meeting with Atty. Antonio Andre Calizo from the SC-PMO, Atty. Ingrid Gorre and Ms. Reann Mantilla, Atty. Marianne Agunoy, Atty. Blescille Termulo from EU- GOJUST to discuss the refinement of the Concept Paper for “Operation: The Legal Frontier.”

The meeting focused on reviewing and enhancing the proposed initiative to ensure the possible grant of funding support from the SC Convergence.

Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, the participants exchanged valuable insights and recommendations to further strengthen and improve the concept paper.

This initiative reflects the continued commitment of DCJZ and its partner agencies in advancing responsive, inclusive, and community-oriented justice programs for the people of Davao City.

Nine (9) Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) students from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) – School of Law formally took their oath as Level II CLEP students before Executive Judge Hon. Rowena M. Apao-Adlawan, together with their Supervising Lawyer, Atty. Jesus A. Villardo III.

Their oath marks not only a significant milestone in their legal education but also their continued commitment to ethical practice and professional growth under the CLEP program.

The Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ) extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly sworn-in Level II CLEP students as they take on greater responsibilities in their legal training journey.

One of the continuing challenges faced by Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) is the stigma they encounter when applying for employment. Despite their desire to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society, opportunities often remain limited because of prejudice and lack of support.

In line with its commitment to restorative justice and community reintegration, the Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ) paid a courtesy visit to the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII).

During the visit, the DCJZ formally handed in the Resolution recognizing DCCCII as an official member of the Davao City Justice Zone. This partnership marks another significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the justice sector and the business community. It also aims to provide PRLs with employment opportunities to help them rebuild their lives and prevent reoffending.

The Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ) paid a courtesy visit to DOST Region XI Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, PFT, CESO III, on May 4, 2026.

During the visit, DCJZ Convenor, Hon. Rowena M. Apao-Adlawan, formally handed Resolution No. 2, Series of 2026, signifying the inclusion of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as an official member of the DCJZ.

This milestone marks a strengthened collaboration in advancing research initiatives, particularly in the areas of reintegration and evidence-based justice interventions. The partnership aims to enhance data-driven approaches in promoting a more responsive and effective justice system.

Happy 16th Anniversary, JSCC!!