Public Attorneys Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta said her agency has worked on getting 1,359 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) due to the threat of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19).

Acosta cited this in her summary report to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra dated May 4 about the PAO’s compliance on the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act in response to the pandemic.

“Rest assured that the PAO is one with the Department of Justice and the whole executive branch of our government in its fight to maintain order and justice during these uncertain times,” she said in her report.

Among her office’s accomplishment, Acosta told the Secretary that the PAO “moved for the release 1,359 PDLs.”

The PAO also gave legal assistance to 9,214 persons who got arrested and presented for inquest.

Acosta disclosed these persons were “mostly involved for violation of ECQ protocols, including prohibition on mass gathering, curfew implementation and liquor ban, as well as common crimes such as Resistance and Simple Disobedience under the Revised Penal Code, violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Illegal Gambling), Republic Act No, 10591 (Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunitions), and Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), among others.”