THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Palawan and the Department of Education (Dep-Ed) have separately condemned the killing of Palawan-based lawyer Joshua Lavega Abrina who was shot to death in front of his house September 17.
In a statement, the IBP said Abrina, who served as a legal officer for the Department of Education-Palawan and was the officer-in-charge of the administrative division of the Philippine Ports Authority-Puerto Princesa, was a “dedicated lawyer, servant of justice, and staunch advocate of the rule of law” and his killing dealt another blow to the rule of law in the country.
The IBP said Abrina’s killing was a “brutal and senseless” act, and an attack “not only against his person, but also against the very principles of justice, accountability, and truth.”
The group said lawyers across the country have been victims of harassment and killing while performing their duty.
“These incidents reflect a growing culture of impunity and lawlessness that threatens the very fabric of our justice system,” the group said, as it called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The group also vowed to exert all possible legal means to bring justice to Abrina.
“We will not rest. We will not be silent. We will not be cowed,” the group added.
In a separate statement, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara also condemned Abrina’s killing.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of violence against a member of our institution and the legal profession. Such attacks not only cause deep grief to families and colleagues but also strike at the very principles of justice and public service,” Angara said.
He said that the DepEd will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigation of the killing.
“We are resolute in our call that those responsible be held accountable and that justice be served swiftly. We appeal to the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to lend their full support and expertise to ensure the swift delivery of justice,” he added.
Angara did not say what cases Abrina handled in DepEd before he resigned and transferred to the PPA in July this year.
At the same time, Angara also called on authorities to ensure the safety of Abrina’s family and possible witnesses to the crime.
“We underscore the urgent need to guarantee the safety of Atty. Abrina’s family and any witnesses, so that truth may prevail without fear or intimidation,” Angara said.
