JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe on the killing of a Davao Occidental prosecutor on June 10.
Remulla said the DOJ will not relent in pursuing justice for Prosecutor Eleanor dela Peña who had been assigned in the Malita, Davao Occidental Prosecutor’s Office.
Dela Peña was killed while driving her pickup truck in Digos City, Davao del Sur, by a lone gunman.
“I directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct parallel investigation into this merciless killing and to take immediate action to ensure the safety ang security of those committed to upholding the rule of law and advancing justice in our land,” Remulla said.
Remulla condemned the killing, adding that the DOJ is “completely devastated” by what happened to Dela Peña.
“There should be no place in society for such barbaric acts, totally abhorrent and sinister transgressing the most fundamental aspect of humanity and life,” he said.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines also strongly condemned the killing of Dela Peña, who was a former IBP-Davao City president.
The IBP Davao City chapter said they will not stop seeking justice for their former president.
“Despite this tragedy, the legal community of Davao City reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the protection of those who dedicate their lives to upholding the law,” it added.
The IBP-Eastern Mindanao chapter also urged authorities to enhance protection measures for members of the legal profession who face increasing risks to their safety and lives.
“We call upon law enforcement agencies to spare no effort in swiftly apprehending those responsible for this cowardly act,” the IBP Eastern Mindanao said in a statement.
Data from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers showed that as of 2023, 133 lawyers, judges and prosecutors have been killed since democracy was restored in the country in 1986 after the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
At least 59 were murdered during the Duterte administration when red-tagging of government critics and human rights workers was rampant.
