DAVAO CITY — The Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of court operations across Davao City and several Davao Region provinces on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao. The directive extends the earlier work suspension declared on June 8, prioritizing the safety of court personnel, clients, and records while structural assessments continue. The suspension covers all courts in Davao City and Davao del Sur.
Regional Court Manager Kyrie Morente issued the memorandum after local executives had already ordered work suspensions in affected areas. "The suspension of work declared on June 8, 2026 is hereby extended, and work in the following courts remains suspended on Tuesday, June 9, 2026," Morente stated. The directive also covers courts in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and several municipal circuit trial courts across Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.
Broader Regional Impact
The suspension extends beyond Davao City to encompass courts in Mati City, Lupon, and Baganga in Davao Oriental. The first Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Cateel‑Boton and the second MCTC of Caraga‑Manay‑Tarragona are also included. In Davao Occidental, the fifth MCTC of Malita‑Sta. Maria‑Don Marcelino and the sixth MCTC of Jose Abad Santos‑Sarangani are similarly affected.
All courts in Nabunturan, Davao del Oro, have been ordered to suspend operations. The suspension also covers courts in General Santos City, Sarangani Province, Koronadal City, Surallah, and other parts of South Cotabato. Each court was instructed to inspect and assess damages caused by the earthquake when it is safe to do so and to arrange for necessary maintenance or clean‑up.
Safety and Access Prioritized
Morente advised all concerned to take necessary precautions and ensure the safety of personnel and records during this period. Normal operations are set to resume on the next working day unless otherwise directed. The memorandum underscores the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding its workforce and the public while maintaining essential services.
Despite the work suspension, courts and offices must remain reachable through their hotline numbers or official email addresses. This ensures that urgent legal concerns, such as applications for bail or other immediate legal remedies, can still be attended to. The measure balances the need for safety with the constitutional right to access justice, particularly for individuals requiring prompt judicial intervention.
A Precautionary Response to a Powerful Quake
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8 triggered tsunami warnings, strong aftershocks, and widespread damage across parts of Mindanao. Government offices, schools, and businesses in affected areas implemented work suspensions to allow safety inspections. The judiciary's swift response aligns with the broader whole‑of‑government effort to protect lives and property.
As structural assessments continue, the Supreme Court's directive ensures that court employees are not exposed to unsafe buildings or infrastructure. The suspension also allows engineers and disaster management teams to conduct thorough evaluations without the pressure of ongoing court operations. Once the affected facilities are cleared, the judiciary will resume its full functions, ensuring that the delivery of justice remains uninterrupted.
