VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has welcomed the City of San Fernando, La Union, into the expanding network of Justice Zones under the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), underscoring continued efforts to strengthen nationwide coordination of the justice system.

Unveiled during the grand ceremony at Hotel Aureo, the initiative is part of the continuing expansion of the JSCC, which promotes stronger collaboration among the five pillars of justice, such as law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community, to improve the efficiency and coherence of justice delivery across local jurisdictions.

Representing the DOJ secretary Fredderick A. Vida was DOJ Law Enforcement Cluster undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato, who conveyed the DOJ’s full support for the City of San Fernando’s inclusion in the growing network of Justice Zones nationwide.

“Today’s launch reflects more than commitment. It reflects vision and the conscious decision of the City of San Fernando to embrace a system where communication, cooperation, and collaboration become the foundation of every action and every decision. The launch marks a shift in perspective. From functioning as separate offices, the justice sector agencies and actors of the City of San Fernando now move forward together as one collective unit; a Justice Zone,” he stated.

Justice Zones are designed as hubs where law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and community stakeholders work as one coordinated system. “Justice Zones thrive  because they develop a stronger culture of interdependence, coordination, and shared responsibility in the service of justice,” Dato added.

The DOJ also explained that the framework strengthens coordination during case build-up, ensuring prosecutorial involvement at earlier stages while giving prosecutors greater confidence that filed cases meet the required quantum of evidence.

“With an established Justice Zone, law enforcement agencies gain the assurance of prosecutorial involvement during the case build-up stage. At the same time, prosecutors gain confidence that the cases filed before them meet the required quantum of evidence, ensuring that only quality cases are brought before our courts,” Dato emphasized.

The launch in San Fernando follows similar initiatives led by the JSCC in other parts of the country, including specialty zones addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC-CSAEM) in Calbayog, Tacloban, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz.

The DOJ also highlighted ongoing reforms within the National Prosecution Service, including updated policies on inquest and preliminary investigation proceedings, aimed at improving case efficiency and supporting broader justice sector decongestion efforts.

During the event, local justice sector partners, including judges, prosecutors, public attorneys, law enforcement officers, and corrections representatives, were likewise recognized for their participation and continued support in advancing the Justice Zone framework.