On 18 March 2026, the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) successfully conducted a Katarungan Caravan at the New Bilibid Prison Minimum Security Camp (NBP- MinSeCamp). The activity was led by UNDERSECRETARY MARGARITA GUTIERREZ, together with lawyers from the DOJ, Public Attorney’s Office, ACCRALAW, PALM Law, Timberza Law Firm, the law students from Philippine Law School (PLS). Also present were students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
A total of three hundred thirty-four (334) Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) benefited from legal services provided during the activity. The Katarungan Caravan aims to provide free legal assistance, legal consultations and rights orientation to PDL. Through the Katarungan Caravan, DOJAC seeks to promote access to justice, uphold due process and ensure that the rights of PDL are protected and respected.
In her inspirational message, USEC GUTIERREZ, highlighted the purpose of the initiative and emphasized the importance of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), explaining how it can help qualified PDL shorten their period of incarceration. She also entertained PDL who may be assisted for their early release through petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus.
The successfully and orderly conduct of the activity was made possible through the support and security provided by the NBP administration, led by C/SSUPT GARY A GARCIA, NBP Superintendent, and C/CINSP ROY S VIVO, Camp Commander NBP- MinSeCamp. Timely assistance and rapid support were also extended by the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT), PDL Documents and Processing Division (PDPD), and Strategic Communications Office (SCO).
NBP-MinSeCamp, under the leadership of C/CINSP ROY S VIVO through the guidance of the Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, expresses sincere gratitude to the partner organizations for their continued commitment to uphold justice and protect the rights of PDL by ensuring access to legal service and promoting fair humane treatment within correctional facilities.
CO1 Joamica Aira A Libranda
Contributor
