MANILA, Philippines – The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) condemned the ambush and attempted murder of a Cebu-based lawyer and her son, calling it “the first recorded assault against a lawyer since the new administration took over” in a statement.
FLAG’s chairman Chel Diokno posted the group’s statement in a tweet on Friday.
“The FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GROUP (FLAG) condemns the ambush and attempted murder of FLAG Cebu member Atty. Karen Quinanola-Gonzales and her 19 year old son in the evening of September 1, 2022 in Cebu City,” said FLAG.
READ: Lawyer, son ambushed in Mandaue City
FLAG also called for the speedy investigation of the case, as the gunman has yet to be arrested. The lawyers’ group also asked Congress to create more laws to protect human rights defenders.
“FLAG also asks that the Supreme Court continue its investigation into the killing of lawyers that started during the Duterte administration and should be carried forward into this new administration,” they said.
In 2021, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said that since 1972, there were 10 lawyers killed per administration, but the number increased by 500% since 2016, under the administration of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Number of lawyers killed since 2016 soared 500% – IBP