PAO-BARMM’S efforts boost Bangsamoro’s access to justice

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Public Attorney’s Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PAO-BARMM) has enhanced access to justice for residents through its comprehensive legal services, addressing a wide range of cases and providing critical support to individuals in need.

In the first half of 2024 alone, the PAO-BARMM provided legal assistance to thousands of residents, handling 8,788 cases, including criminal, civil, and administrative matters.  It also provided 304 inquest assistance and 23,654 legal counseling and consultations through various channels.

One of the key areas where the PAO-BARMM has made a significant impact is mediation and conciliation. The office successfully settled 101 out of 113 cases in a single sitting, demonstrating its efficiency in resolving disputes amicably.

Atty. Mariam Mautante, OIC regional director of PAO-BARMM, said the provision of this service depends on client requests for assistance with disputes. “We send an invitation or tinatawag namin na ‘mediation subpoena’ inviting the other party to appear before us so that the parties will be given the chance to settle among themselves kung ano man ang dispute na meron sila,” she said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, August 27.

o enhance public awareness of legal rights and processes, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) in the Bangsamoro region conducted 150 legal information dissemination outreach programs. Atty. Mariam Mautante, OIC regional director of PAO-BARMM, said these initiatives played a vital role in empowering communities and equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate the legal system effectively. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)

Moreover, the PAO-BARMM has played a crucial role in protecting the rights of incarcerated individuals. The office conducted 450 jail visits and facilitated the release of 482 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), ensuring that these individuals receive fair treatment and have justice access. It also provided legal assistance to 33,977 Marawi siege victims in processing their claims.

To enhance public awareness of legal rights and processes, the PAO-BARMM conducted 150 legal information and dissemination outreach programs. These initiatives have empowered communities and equipped individuals with the knowledge to navigate the legal system effectively.

Meanwhile, Mautante assured that their attorneys had undergone the mandatory continuing legal education program. “We are empowered and have undergone the mandatory continuing legal education program funded alone by our own office to enrich and further train our public attorneys to do their job effectively and efficiently,” she said. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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DOJ-BARMM prioritizes prompt case resolution, amicable settlements

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Department of Justice in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOJ-BARMM) has emphasized the importance of resolving cases promptly, especially in inquest proceedings where individuals are detained without a warrant.

Lawyer Rohairah Lao, BARMM regional prosecutor, stated during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on August 27 that their office aims to resolve and dispose of inquest cases within the same day whenever possible. The urgency stems from the need to prevent unnecessary detention of individuals in custody.

“As for the regular preliminary investigation, within 10 days, we have to resolve the cases and evaluate or determine whether or not it will be proper for preliminary investigation or requires further case build-up under the provisions of Department Circular 20,” she said.

In addition to prioritizing case resolution, the DOJ-BARMM is also committed to facilitating amicable settlements of family disputes while respecting the cultural practices of the Bangsamoro people. 

Lao explained that the Bangsamoro people have their own distinct culture, which can sometimes conflict with national laws. She acknowledged that certain cases, like rape cases involving Bangsamoro parties, are not amenable to amicable settlement, even when both parties agree. Lao further explained that prosecutors are obligated to file the case with the court if sufficient evidence exists in these instances.

“But there are other cases where we can help settle amicably outside the court, like ‘ridos’ or family feuds,” Lao stated.

She said that they work with local government units (LGUs) to maintain peace and order in the communities, as settling ridos can be expensive because LGUs often provide blood money for the involved parties, who may not have the resources themselves.  

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, BARMM Regional Prosecutor Rohairah Lao shared that the Department of Justice-Regional Prosecution Service XIV has been actively working to improve access to justice in the Bangsamoro region through various initiatives. These include training and capacity building for case build-up, prompt case resolution, amicable dispute resolution, and effective legal assistance. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

“Kasi that’s part of our practice na pag mag-settle ng rido, may certain amount, we call it blood money, to the aggrieved parties. That we can intervene with. In fact, meron tayong na-settle sa level natin sa regional office na tumulong tayo (mag-resolve) sa mga ganong klaseng conflicts between families na hindi ma-settle sa court,” she added.

(Because it’s part of our practice to settle rido (feuds) with a certain amount, which we refer to as ‘blood money,’ given to the aggrieved parties. We can intervene in such cases. In fact, we have settled such conflicts at our regional office, helping to resolve family disputes that could not be settled in court.)

Lao noted that many family conflicts can escalate when brought before the court. But by resolving these disputes amicably, they were able to eliminate related cases arising from the same incidents, promoting peace and order in the locality while upholding the rule of law.

The regional prosecutor also shared that the DOJ Action Center in BARMM has successfully assisted numerous clients, leading to amicable resolution of many cases. As a result, the center has assisted 18 clients, with 13 of these cases settling amicably, showcasing its effectiveness in providing timely and efficient legal assistance to the public. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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