NUPL, IADL condemn killing of Abra lawyer
MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) on Friday, condemned the killing of Atty. Maria Saniata Alzate in Abra.
“The NUPL cannot help but draw parallelisms between the killings of Atty. Alzate and the murders of two of its own members, Attys. Juan Macababbad and Ben Ramos,” NUPL, through its President, Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez, and NUPL Secretary-General Atty. Josalee Deinla said in a statement, citing previous killings among their ranks.
Alzate, the NUPL added, has extended legal assistance to a victim of illegal arrest, detention and torture by the members of the Philippine National Police. She had also been doing pro-bono services for the indigent.
In a separate statement, IADL described Alzate’s murder as a “merciless murder of a young, principled and idealistic lawyer.”
It stressed that the killing was due to the impunity of the “passive, token and ningas cogon” responses of state authorities.
“That it happened again against those who push the tide against injustice speaks volumes on the incompetence, negligence and even complicity of governmental institutions ironically overpopulated by her fellow lawyers,” IADL transitional president, Atty. Edre U. Olalia said.
Amidst such killings, the two groups expressed their unwavering commitment in upholding justice.
NUPL declared a steadfast mission in protecting and promoting human rights, as well as defending the truth.
IADL, on the other hand, reminded that lawyering, especially for the poor and oppressed, is worth all the risks.
Alzate was shot dead in broad daylight on Thursday, in front of her residence in Bangued, Abra.
Law enforcement agencies were also urged to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
