BACOLOD CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Negros Occidental Chapter has partnered with the cause-oriented organization Task Force Kasanag to provide free legal assistance to former rebels.
The partnership was formalized by the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between IBP-Negros Occidental president Arnel Lapore and Katilingban sang Naghili-usa, Inc. (Kasanag) president John Chiong during their meeting at the Sugarland Hotel on Friday afternoon.
“This is the first of its kind,” Lapore said, pointing out in the agreement that in the process of achieving genuine peace, the legal and individual rights of rebel returnees must be amply protected.
The signing of the two-year agreement was witnessed by five members of IBP-Negros Occidental and by Captain Win Love Bag-ao, commander of the Philippine Army’s 31st Civil Military Operations.
IBP-Negros Occidental stated that providing such assistance is part of its mandate to implement the Community Legal Aid Services in pursuit of Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 17-03-09-SC.
As such, the lawyers will provide legal counsel and advice on the rights and obligations of the returnees, as well as draft and review the legal documents relating to the process and approval of the rebel returnees’ application for the government program. They will also render post-legal assistance on a case-to-case basis.
The agreement also stated that the IBP or any handling lawyer may refuse to accept the referral if the case would endanger that lawyer’s life or those of his or her family, if there is potential conflict of interest, and if physical difficulty is foreseen.
Task Force Kasanag, which has already been assisting a number of rebel returnees, will establish linkages between the returnees and the IBP, and facilitate the documentation and availability of records.
The group will also ascertain the qualification and eligibility of the applicant, as well as provide necessary administrative and logistical assistance to the IBP. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
