Judges’ organizations condemn killing of Baler judge

Various organizations of judges on Friday joined hands in condemning the killing of Baler, Aurora Regional Trial Court Judge Erwin Alaba.

Alaba was killed last Sept. 1 when a lone gunman shot him at close range while on his way to work. His wife was injured.

In a manifesto issued Friday, the heads of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA), Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines Inc. (MetCJAP), and Philippine Trial Judges League Inc. (PTJLI) urged authorities to expedite the investigation, identify and arrest the suspects.

“Amidst this tragedy, we, Judges of the Regional Trial Courts and First Level Courts, condemn, in the strongest terms, the senseless killing of another colleague who perished in the performance of his sworn duties,” they lamented.

“The assassination of Judge Alaba was executed with impunity and with intent to undermine the rule of law, the independence of judges, and faith in the function of the judicial system. We therefore call on all fellow members in government service and the general public to join us in our solid stand against extrajudicial killings. Let the firm rule of law prevail over the mob rule of men,” the judge’s group said.

But the Judges said they will not be cowed by the death of Alaba.

“While his meaningful life was cut short by this despicable act, Judge Alaba will continue to inspire us members of the Judiciary to remain faithful to our oath, steadfast in rendering justice, and undaunted in pursuing our convictions,” they vowed.

The manifesto was signed by PJA president Judge Ralph Lee, MetCJAP president Judge Grace Chavez-Ty and PTJLI president Judge Marlon Jay Moneva. AU