MANILA, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) 24th Board of Governors has called out speculations and rumors surrounding the death of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 45 Judge Maria Theresa Abadilla, who was shot inside her office at the Manila City Hall by her own clerk of court.
“As we denounce the killing of Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla and grieve a great loss to the judiciary, we call out the speculations and rumors, bordering on misogyny or victim-blaming that circulated upon the news of her death,” IBP president Domingo Cayosa said in a statement over the weekend.
He also appealed to netizens to refrain from sharing gruesome photos and videos that were taken moments after the 44-year-old judge was shot in the head last Wednesday by lawyer Amador Rebato Jr., who later committed suicide.
“We decry the exploitative sharing of graphic and gory videos or photos of her brutal killing that violate her privacy and offend the feelings of her family and loved ones,” Cayosa said.
He then urged the individuals concerned to take down and stop publishing such photos and videos.
“We respect the memory of and do justice to Judge Abadilla and all judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and workers in the justice sector who were killed for doing their sworn duty even under challenging circumstances by adhering to facts, conducting a thorough and credible investigation, quickly and ensuring accountability after due process, and instituting reforms to protect and secure those who implement the rule of law,” Cayosa stated.
“We honor the supreme sacrifice of Judge Abadilla and all our fallen colleagues by courageously and consistently improving the administration of justice,” he also said.
Cayosa earlier said the IBP will continue to help lawyers improve their “personal security” and handle stress following the killing of Abadilla.
He said he hopes that the government and concerned sectors will cooperate “to ensure that differences may be resolved responsibly, quickly and peacefully.”