Shot PAO lawyer recuperating in Batangas City hospital

MANILA, Philippines—A lawyer from the Public Attorney’s Office is now being treated in a hospital after being shot in Batangas City Wednesday morning, police said.

Chief Superintendent James Melad, Region 4a regional director, said Attorney Arsenio Hernandez Jr. was wounded after he was shot by still unidentified suspects inside the compound of Bulwagan ng Katarungan, parking area Pallocan West in Batangas City around 7:30 a.m.

Melad said Hernandez was rushed to St. Patrick Hospital after sustaining several gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, adding that a short firearm may have been used for the crime.

Radio reports said Hernandez has been admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit.

The suspects, Melad said, fled towards unknown direction onboard a motorcycle. A manhunt operation has been launched.