IBP: Suspects in Palawan lawyer killing arrested, charged
MANILA, Philippines — The suspects in the killing of Palawan lawyer Eric Jay Magcamit have been arrested and charged, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said Thursday.
“Within a week, the killers and their cohorts were identified, arrested, and charged,” IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa said in a statement.
“We appreciate and commend the swift action (of lawmen) and all those who helped bring the murderers before the bar of justice,” he added.
Cayosa did not name the suspects. Police earlier identified four “persons of interest” in the killing of Magcamit.
Magcamit was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in the southern Palawan town of Narra last Nov. 17. He was on his way to Quezon town in Puerto Princesa when the two suspects flagged down his Toyota Innova in Narra town.
Cayosa said IBP is also working for similar results in the killing of another lawyer, Joey Luis Wee in Cebu City.
Wee was shot and killed by two unidentified men while walking to his office in Barangay Kasambagan on Nov. 23.
“Beyond the consistent condemnation and justified outrage, we must act resolutely on lawyer-killings because violence against judges, prosecutors, lawyers and our fellow-workers in the justice sector mocks and erodes the rule of law,” the IBP chief said.
“For if those who administer justice are themselves killed with impunity, how can the ordinary citizen believe in due process or feel safe and secure?” he added.
He called on lawyers to promptly finish long-pending cases, pass remedial laws and rules, and enforce the law fairly and without favor.
“We share the fear and frustrations of many about the brazen violence, continuing criminality, and appalling impunity in our country. Justice is distant and delayed for too many victims,” Cayosa said.
“Since lawyers administer the justice system and occupy key positions in government, we must humbly recognize our individual and collective responsibility and shortcomings so that we may courageously do justice without delay,” he added.
