Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla directed the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to provide free legal assistance to the 2017 Marawi Siege Victims/Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

This after Secretary Remulla issued Department Order No. 324 s. 2024 directing the DOJAC and PAO to spearhead the activity.

A Katarungan Caravan will be conducted by the DOJ, in collaboration with PAO, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP), along with volunteer private lawyers to assist victims and IDPs in filing their claims.

The month-long Katarungan Caravan/legal aid activity will run from 03 June 2024 to 03 July 3, 2024. Both the NBI and the PNP will provide mobile clearance services to facilitate and speed up the process of claims.

Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, Usec-in-Charge for DOJAC, shall have direct supervision over the whole undertaking which shall be concluded before the deadline of the filing of claims on 03 July 2024, as provided under Republic Act No. 11696, otherwise known as the Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022.

“I entrust the welfare of our brothers and sisters of the Marawi Siege and the IDPs to our dedicated fellow public servants from DOJAC, PAO, NBI, PNP and to our volunteer private lawyers, take swift and decisive actions over their concerns and claims, ensure that no one will be left out. As underscored by the famous political slogan of former President Ramon Magsaysay - Those who have less in life should have more in law,” the Secretary asserted.