The Department of Justice (DOJ) opened its ninth DOJ Katarungan Office (DOJKO) regional branch in Zamboanga City on July 23, 2026, extending free legal assistance to marginalized and vulnerable communities across Region IX — Western Mindanao.
The new office, operated under the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC), is designed to reduce the distance between residents of Western Mindanao and the government's legal aid services, according to the DOJ.
Senior Officials Lead Zamboanga City Ceremony
Region IX Regional Prosecutor Dennis F. Araojo spearheaded the launch alongside DOJ Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, who oversees the DOJ Action Center.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso and Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco were also present at the ceremony, together with city and field prosecutors from municipalities and cities across Region IX.
In her message, Undersecretary Gutierrez said the new regional office reflects the department's commitment to expand its reach, responsiveness, and resolve in serving the public — placing legal protection and guidance within reach of those least able to afford it, according to the DOJ.
Programs Targeting Grassroots Legal Access
DOJKO Program Director Joan Carla V. Guevarra outlined the office's core programs during the launch, including the Katarungan Caravan, the Justice in Action Lecture Series, and an information dissemination campaign targeting communities across the region.
Guevarra also cited a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the DOJ and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will provide psycho-social assistance to DOJKO clients, as well as support for litigation and legal-related expenses when filing cases.
DOJ-DSWD Partnership Adds Welfare Component
The MOU with the DSWD represents a significant addition to the DOJKO's service framework, combining legal aid with psycho-social support for clients who may be dealing with trauma, displacement, or other welfare concerns alongside their legal needs.
The partnership broadens the scope of assistance available through the office beyond purely legal consultations, according to information presented at the launch.
New Staff Oriented Before Office Opens to Public
Ahead of full operations, Administrative Assistant V Marifi N. Reyes conducted an orientation for newly appointed DOJAC personnel in Region IX, covering administrative procedures, standard workflows, and client intake protocols so the local team can effectively process inquiries and route them for action.
The launch was organized jointly by the DOJAC Main Office and the National Prosecution Service of Region IX, according to the DOJ.
By the Numbers
- 9th — The Zamboanga City branch is the ninth DOJKO regional office opened nationwide
- July 23, 2026 — Date of the official launch in Zamboanga City
- 1 MOU — Memorandum of Understanding signed between the DOJ and DSWD to provide psycho-social and litigation support to clients
- Region IX — Western Mindanao, the coverage area served by the new office
- 3 core programs — Katarungan Caravan, Justice in Action Lecture Series, and an information dissemination campaign
Why This Matters
The opening of the ninth DOJKO branch in Zamboanga City directly extends free legal aid to marginalized and vulnerable sectors in Western Mindanao who previously had limited access to government legal services. The new DOJ-DSWD partnership means clients can now receive both legal assistance and psycho-social support under one coordinated framework. As the DOJ continues expanding the DOJKO network nationally, the Zamboanga City office marks a concrete step toward closing the justice gap in underserved regional communities.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Department of Justice / DOJ Philippines