[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’IBP condemns Butuan judge’s assassination’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
MANILA – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) condemned the assassination of a judge handling, among others, several antidrug cases in Butuan City.
Judge Godofredo Abul Jr., 68, was shot to death by an unidentified gunman on Saturday as he was leaving the house with wife Bernadette.
“We are saddened and shocked by the violent killing,” said IBP national president Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo.
Abul died of multiple gunshot wounds while his wife was seriously wounded, according to the Butuan City police.
“This is the latest in a string of murders befalling the members of the legal profession. Though the loss of one life is already too much, the frequency and the sheer violence attending these acts have reached alarming levels,” said Fajardo.
Citing statements from witnesses, the police said the Abuls were shot just as their car was coming out of their house’s gate in Alviola Village. The motorcycle-riding gunman apparently waited for the couple to come out.
“The IBP sees the killing of Judge Abul as a stain against the Rule of Law. We view all judges as members of our profession – one that is sworn to protect everyone’s right to life, liberty and property. Any life – be it innocent or guilty – does not deserve to be taken away so lightly by unaccountable assassins,” said Fajardo.
The gunman remained unidentified as of this writing. According to the police, the culprit was wearing a black shirt and a black bullcap.
“Summary and violent death sentences administered by unknown individuals is no substitute for a working judicial system,” stressed Fajardo.
The IBP, he said, was “committed to upholding the judicial process and work against those who applaud its erosion.”
“We call on our law enforcement authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that the killers and their principals are found so that they may be brought to justice,” said Fajardo./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
