IBP-NorLu Governor visits Abra Provincial Jail; discuss jail decongestion
In Photos: Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod (in white shirt) with her fellow lawyers during the the brainstroming and turn-over of the financial aid. Photos by Mae Barangan
BANGUED, Abra– In line with the efforts of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to solve the congestion problems of detention facilities, the Governor of IBP Northern Luzon Region, Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod convened with some officers of the IBP-Abra Chapter headed by its President, Atty. Allen Brix L. Bachiller on January 22, 2024 at Abra Provincial Jail (APJ) where they reviewed the records of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) here.
During the brainstorming, Atty. Taguinod discussed the important elements to consider in identifying the PDL who may be qualified for release. However, she stressed that a seminar/lecture regarding the rights of the PDL should also conducted so that the lawyers can assess well.
“There are three modes of discharge. Those are when the PDL have already served the penalty charged; for the indigents, they can cite the circular that gives the opportunity to apply for bail for PhP10,000.00; and by applying Good Conduct Time Allowance if applicable plus the time served after the decision,” Atty. Taguinod said in an exclusive interview by FNS.
One of the cases that they examined was the PDL who was convicted of attempted murder and was sentenced to 8-14 years of imprisonment. During the interview, the lawyers found out that the PDL had already spent nine years in prison. Atty. Taguinod advised the PDL to seek the help of his family and communicate with his lawyer to file the necessary documents in court for his possible liberty.
She clarified that her visit is just preliminary to a more appropriate action that the Jail Warden and the court will take.
On the other hand, Atty. Bachiller said that their chapter is targeting at least 20 PDLs to be released. He also said that he is motivated to improve the plans and programs of their chapter due to the support and efforts given to them by Atty. Taguinod.
APJ has 232 detainees.
The lawyers who also graced the said activity were: Atty. Conde Claro Venus from Abra; Judge Carlo Oscar P. Boacon of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Balbalan-Pasil and Atty. Errol B. Comafay, Jr. from Kalinga; Atty. Michael Angelo Pico and Atty. Rod Peterson Ignacio from Isabela.
Meanwhile, a cheque worth PhP100,000.00 and PhP40,000.00 cash was handed by Atty. Taguinod to Judge Raphiel F. Alzate, husband of the late Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales-Alzate who was gunned down on Sept. 14, 2023 by still unidentified gunmen.
The financial aid was accumulated from the fund released by the IBP-National through a resolution passed by Atty. Taguinod and was approved by the Board of Governors while the PhP40,000.00 came from the “Atty. Liwliwa Legal Aid Fund”, a fund-raising project launched by the IBP-Kalinga Chapter.# Mae Barangan
