SC calls for swift investigation of Bulacan judge’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Wednesday called for the swift investigation of the shooting of a Bulacan judge on his way home from court, the second magistrate slain in less than three months.

In a statement Wednesday night, the high court expressed “outrage and sadness” for the killing of Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 84 Judge Wilfredo Nieves.

“Initial Information obtained from the police discloses that Judge Nieves had just left his courtroom at the Capitol Compound and was on board his vehicle, headed home, when still unidentified suspects onboard a silver Toyota Innova and a motorcycle disembarked from their vehicles and started firing on the Judge’s vehicle,” the high court said.

Nieves died of multiple gunshot wounds.

“The Court condemns in the strongest terms the killing of Judge Nieves and calls on the authorities concerned to take all necessary steps with all deliberate speed to do justice for Judge Nieves by fully investigating his killing,” the court said.

Nieves was the judge who convicted Raymond Dominguez, leader of a notorious car theft gang that operated in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

On Sept. 1, Baler RTC Branch 91 Judge Erwin Alaba died of multiple gunshots when motorcycle-riding men attacked him and his wife just outside the court.

His wife was wounded but survived the attack.  SFM