The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it has fielded over 50 lawyers and paralegals, and more than 50 health professionals at the Correctional Institution for Women in Davao Del Norte to provide free legal and medical services to around 611 women inmates.

Undersecretary-in-charge of the DOJ Action Center Margarita Gutierrez said the success of the Katarungan Caravan was achieved through the support and assistance of the National Prosecution Service (NPS), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Department of Health (DOH), and volunteer doctors.

“The dedicated lawyers and paralegals from the IBP, NPS and PAO have generously volunteered their time and expertise to offer free legal assistance to the PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) ensuring that their legal rights are protected and that they receive fair representation,” Gutierrez said.

The free legal services include rendering legal advice and counselling, preparation of legal documents, and government referral/endorsement to concerned government offices, among others

“Meanwhile, medical professionals, including doctors and medical assistants from the DOH and volunteer doctors from Mayor Lea Marie Moral-Romano’s office in the municipality of Braulio E. Dujali provided essential health services during the mission,” she added.

The DOJAC also mobilized the distribution of essential medicines in collaboration with the DOH and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The DOJ also thanked the Kababaihan Organization for generously donating 2,500 packs of sanitary pads for the female PDLs.

“It has been the DOJ’s unwavering commitment to provide crucial services that uphold compassion and justice which promote the well-being of every individual. Through our legal and medical mission for inmates, we do not merely seek to uphold the dignity and rights of people but also pave a way for their healing and total reformation,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. (PNA)