IBP sets up legal aid desk for first BARMM polls

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has deployed volunteers to provide legal assistance and work with international election observers monitoring the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The volunteer lawyers will give legal assistance to voters and election stakeholders at the Legal Aid Help Desk set up by the IBP Lanao del Sur Chapter, in coordination with the IBP National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA), at the Bangsamoro Electoral Office in Malidegao within the BARMM’s Special Geographic Area.

In addition to legal guidance, the desk receives election-related concerns and facilitates referrals when needed.

IBP national officers are also on the ground to coordinate with chapters and volunteers.

Members of the IBP national leadership also met with Turkish election observers as part of the organization’s election-related activities to exchange observations.

The IBP said its engagement with local and international stakeholders forms part of its efforts to support a peaceful, orderly, credible and lawful electoral process in the BARMM.

The IBP national officials present included National President and 27th Board of Governors Chairman Allan G. Panolong, Executive Vice President and Bicolandia Governor Randall C. Tabayoyong, National Executive Director Patrick M. Velez, and National Director for Legal Aid Pitero M. Reig.