Court sessions suspended in Cebu

MANILA (Updated) -- Work in all Cebu City courts was suspended Tuesday by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno following a shooting incident during a trial of a Canadian national for malicious mischief.

Cebu City Executive Judge Silvestre Maamo carried out the order, said a text message from the SC Public Information Office.

The incident took place at the sala of Judge Pamela Baring-Uy of Cebu City Municipal Trial Court in Cities branch 6 as Court Administrator Midas Marquez is currently on his way to investigate the matter.

"No court employee was reportedly harmed," the SC PIO said.

One of those injured, Prosecutor Maria Theresa Casiño, was already brought to the hospital for treatment, said Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

Arellano said he ordered Regional Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane to provide her assistance while recuperating.

He also hit the "serious lapse" in the security within the premises of the Palace Hall of Justice that allowed John Pope to bring in concealed firearm which could have been "averted" had there been "more diligent measure."

"This should not be allowed to happen again in any public building by strictly enforcing a no-firearms policy for all those entering the building," Arellano said.

Senator Francis Escudero shared Arellano's sentiment, saying members of the judiciary are in constant threat, and that many have been killed in relation to the cases they handled.

"Our courts should be insulated from threats, harms for everyone. We must ensure that all courts are orderly and safe where the public can take refuge, and ascertain that within its halls their rights are protected and emphasized," said Escudero, chairperson of the committee on justice and human rights. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)