Napolcom, IBP to provide legal aid to indigents, cops

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have agreed to provide free legal assistance to victims of police abuses as well as police officers accused of offenses committed in the performance of their duties.

This developed after a memorandum of agreement for the provision of free legal assistance was signed by Owen de Luna, chief of Napolcom-Calabarzon; Maria Elena Francisco, president of the IBP-Manila Chapter, and Orlalyn Suarez-Fetesio, IBP chairperson for legal aid.

De Luna said the Napolcom is mandated to promote effective police administration and ensure that all police officers adhere to the standards of professional conduct and public accountability.

The IBP is dedicated to promoting the rule of law and providing legal services to indigents.

De Luna said the Napolcom and the IBP are providing legal assistance to relatives of missing drug suspects Diolito Garay and Aldy Raquion, who were reportedly kidnapped by four members of the Calamba police last year.

“We also provide legal assistance to a retired professor who was allegedly robbed by seven policemen during an anti-narcotics operation in Cavite,” he said.