The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), comprising the Supreme Court (SC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recently held the simultaneously launching of the Tri-City Justice Zone on Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) last September 3, 2024 at the Garden Cove Resort in Cagayan de Oro City; at The Balcony in Iligan City, and at The Grand Pavilion Events Place in Ozamiz City. Cagayan de Oro, along with Ozamiz and Iligan became the 14th justice zone in the country.
The three cities were identified as role models in the fight against OSAEC, having the most number of operations and convictions, based on data from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Justice Zones are the flagship program of the JSCC at the local level intended for better coordination among JSCC member agencies.
The JSCC is a joint initiative between the Supreme Court (SC), the DOJ, and the DILG that serves as a forum for discussing issues of common interest and a mechanism for the effective sharing of information to better plan and implement joint projects.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, and DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. – the principals of the JSCC – were present in Cagayan de Oro City for the launch. They were welcomed by Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez.
In Iligan, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Wilhelmina B. Jorge-Wagan, DOJ Assistant Secretary Randolph A. Pascasio, and DILG Undersecretary Oscar F. Valenzuela signed the similarly worded Wall of Commitment for the Iligan City Justice Zone.
Meanwhile, Court of Appeals Justice Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal, Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV, and DILG Undersecretary Odilon L. Parasaba signed the Wall of Commitment for the Ozamiz City Justice Zone.
The respective local government officials of the three cities also signed the Wall of Commitment.
with text, photos by Supreme Court, CIO
