THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Visayas launched its Community Legal Assistance Group to protect and defend the institution and its members from red-tagging and other attacks.

The group is composed of lawyers whose task is to provide UPV constituents with active legal support to protect their constitutional rights.

“In coordination with the UPV Legal Office, the group will offer its services on a volunteer basis,” the university said.

The members of the group come from the UPV Alumni Association, the UP College of Law, the UP Law Center and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

“Three ace lawyers, Atty. Jose Mari Tirol, Dean of the College of Law of the University of San Agustin; Atty. Andre Palacios, former undersecretary and head of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines; and Atty. Dennis Guevara, President of the UP alumni Association- Iloilo Chapter, attended the launching and offered their free services,” UPV said.

Chancellor Clement Camposano, UPV Legal Counsel Nellie Regalado, and the volunteer lawyers signed the initial proposal.

Vice Chancellor Philip Ian Padilla, Vice-Chancellor Rhodelia Ibabao, and Information and Public Office Director Prof. Julie Prescott witnessed the signing.