Task groups formed to probe killing of lawyers

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER.net file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has created special investigation task groups (SITGs) to probe the killing of two lawyers in separate incidents on Friday in Rodriguez, Rizal, and Dagupan City in Pangasinan.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing Monday that the task groups would work to hasten the investigation into the two cases.

At about 8:45 a.m. on Friday, lawyer Edilberto Golla Jr., 45, was ambushed near his house in Rodriguez on his way to a meeting.

READ: Lawyer dies in Rizal ambush

At about 9:15 a.m., lawyer Val Crisostomo was shot in front of the Dagupan City Justice Hall after attending a hearing.

READ: Lawyer shot dead in front of Dagupan City Justice Hall

Albayalde said the SITGs were created by the local police immediately after the two incidents.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has condemned the murder of Golla and Crisostomo, who are members of its Manila IV and Pangasinan chapters, respectively. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)

READ: 2 lawyers killed in Pangasinan, Rizal; IBP condemns slays