Legal Aid Caravan for the Indigenous Peoples of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur

Posted on: July 15, 2022

| June 21, 2022

A Legal Aid Caravan for the Indigenous Peoples of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur was held at the Talacogon Municipal Covered Court, Brgy. Poblacion, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on June 21, 2022 with the theme “Access to Justice and Support for the Rule of Law: Promoting justice, economic opportunity and human dignity through the rule of law”.

The caravan headed by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Agusan del Sur Chapter was in partnership with the American Bar Association – Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), USAID from the American People, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Mayor Pauline Marie Masendo though Municipal Administrator Gemma Gatab expressed her support to this initiative and even provided logistic support. The Municipal Health Office through Ederlina Turtor conducted an education campaign in relation to COVID 19 vaccination to erase doubts brought about by misinformation.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Legal Officer and IBP – Agusan del Sur Chapter (ADS) Member Atty. Fritzie Lynne C. Sumando discussed the salient features of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act or the Republic Act RA 8371.

IBP ADS Chapter President Atty. Marcelo R. Caupayan, Jr. remarked that this legal caravan project is conducted in only ten (10) provinces all over the Philippines. He also stressed that there is free legal aid program offered by the Chapter for indigent clients with meritorious cases. Those interested are free to visit the Chapter Office located beside the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 at the Judiciary Building, Capitol, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and inquire with IBP Clerk Lovern Velarde.

Among the other volunteer lawyers for the IBP – ADS who offered free legal consultation and drafting and notarization of basic legal documents are the following:

Provincial Prosecutor Ceferino Dino Paredes III;

Hon. Atty. Filomeno Cadiz;

Atty. Jessa Mangadlao – Miolata;

Atty. Janssen Albienda;

Atty. Julie Sansaet-Saturion;

Atty. Ferdinand Marcus Banosia;

Atty. Marceliano Monato III;

Atty. Mardovic Dodge Benigian; and

Atty. Carlito Ranoco.

Program Officer Atty. Ivy-Ron Quinto, Program Officer, stressed that this initiative strengthens and bolsters the rule of law in the Philippines and has been going on for over two (2) decades. This projects seeks to raise awareness as to the rights of the people towards empowerment. During the activity, ABA ROLI also distributed supply kits.

Hawudon Maangay-angayon II Marlon Plaza, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, in his closing remarks expressed his deep gratitude in behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. He emphasized that access to free legal services is a big help for them especially those in remote areas and are financially challenged.

Thank you for being supportive partners to the ICCs/IPs of Caraga!