MANILA, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has condemned the “cold-blooded” killing of a lawyer and her husband in Davao City and called on authorities to ensure that legal professionals can work without fear of attacks.
According to IBP National President Burt Estrada, lawyer Sitti Gilda Mahinay-Sapie and her husband Muhaimen Mohammad Sapie were killed in Davao last Wednesday afternoon.
“The Integrated Bar of the Philippines condemns the treacherous and cold-blooded murder of Atty. Sitti Gilda Mahinay-Sapie and her husband, Muhaimen Mohammad Sapie, in the afternoon of July 14, 2021 in Davao City,” Estrada said in a statement on Friday.
“The IBP extends its condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Atty. Mahinay-Sapie and her husband, whom they have suddenly left behind during this terrible time, and will endeavor to provide the necessary aid and comfort to their family in their hour of need,” he added.
A closed-circuit television (CCTV) video has now circulated on social media showing a man and a woman — supposedly the couple — stepping out of their house and conversing with some visitors.
A few moments later, the woman sank to her knees without anyone pointing a gun at her, leading some to believe a sniper shot her. The man then approached the woman, but he, too, was shot from a distance.
INQUIRER.net contacted the Davao City Police Office, but they have not responded as of posting time.
While the IBP calls for a quick resolution of the case, it also urged the government to prevent such attacks and safeguard citizens, including lawyers and judges.
“As the IBP prepares to assist and coordinate with Atty. Gilda Mahinay-Sapie’s family, investigators, and law enforcement officials in investigating […] it nonetheless calls upon the government to protect its citizens from such brazen killings and to ensure that lawyers can do their jobs without fear of reprisal, attacks, and harassment,” Estrada noted.
“Amidst the apparent attacks on lawyers with impunity, we enjoin all Filipino lawyers to express their condemnation and indignation against the same by courageously upholding their sworn duty to provide justice for all,” he added.