POLICEMEN facing service-connected cases can avail themselves of legal defense fund, according to Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas.

“This program of the PNP (Philippine National Police) aims to provide legal assistance and defense in the maximum of P50,000 per incident to PNP personnel so as to give them aid in line with their defense of their case,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mario Abrenzosa of the Regional Legal Service-Eastern Visayas Monday, April 8.

To qualify, the claimant must be an active and bonafide member of the PNP and the administrative, civil or criminal case arose from the performance of the claimant’s responsibilities and functions.

Also, the case is filed before any court or tribunal or those under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and the claim is filed before the agency where the claimant performed responsibilities and functions subject of the case.

“With that, police personnel facing service-connected cases assigned at the region are advised to seek help directly with the chief, regional legal office. The Legal Office is widely open to those who seek legal help,” said Superintendent Ma. Bella Rentuaya, police regional information officer.

All applications shall be filed upon the secretariat of the PNP Legal Defense Fund Claims Board within 30 days from the date of approval of deliberated service-connected case, the official said. (SunStar Philippines)