By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Nine fourth-year students from the MMSU College of Law joined the delegation of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Batac City today, September 19, during a jail visit and inspection at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Batac District Jail. The visit aimed to provide legal aid to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

During the visit, the students offered legal consultations to the PDLs, which included case assessments, discussions of prisoners’ rights, and inspections of jail facilities. They were accompanied by Atty. Ma. Saniata Marcos, MMSU legal officer, and assisted by law practitioners from RTC-Batac City, the Public Attorney’s Office, MCTC Paoay-Currimao, and MCTC Pinili-Badoc.

One of the law students, Ms. Venus Keizel Alupay, shared that her experience with the detainees deepened her understanding of the realities of becoming a future lawyer. "Working with the PDLs has been an eye-opening experience," she said. Additionally, Ms. Angelica Caluya emphasized, “The interaction with the PDLs was very fulfilling,” explaining that the visit gave them hands-on practice in providing legal assistance.

In addition to the legal aid, the law students also presented simple gifts to the PDLs as a gesture of appreciation, showing compassion despite the detainees' challenging circumstances.

BJMP Batac District Jail Inspector Jayson DC Mabuti expressed his gratitude for the support and information received, highlighting that the assistance provided has a significant impact on the PDLs' situation.

The MMSU College of Law is continuously tapped by RTC Batac City to expose students to real-world legal environments and equip them with practical experience. The visit was in line with the guidelines set by Office of the Court Administrator No. 01-2024 and Administrative Circular No. 07-03-02 SC.