Judges’ groups condemn Baler slay

THREE groups of judges has condemned the murder of their colleague, Jude Erwin Alaba, in a court compound in Baler, Aurora province, on Sept. 1, saying it was a senseless killing that undermined the rule of law in the country.

In a joint manifesto, the judges said the murder of Alaba, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 91 in Baler, “was executed with impunity and with the intent to undermine the rule of law and the faith in the function of the judicial system, as well as the independence of the judges.”

The manifesto was signed by Judge Ralph Lee, president of the Philippine Judges Association; Judge Grace Chavez-Ty, president of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines Inc.; and Judge Marlon Jay Moneva, president of the Philippine Trial Judges League Inc.

“We … call on all the members of the government service and the public to join us in our stand against extrajudicial killings. Let the rule of law prevail over the rule of men,” they said, pointing out that Alaba died in the performance of his sworn duties.

“While his meaningful life was cut short by this despicable act, Judge Alaba will remain an inspiration to us members of the judiciary to remain faithful to our oath, steadfast in the rendition of justice and undaunted in pursuing our convictions,” they added.

Police have yet to find any lead that would establish the motive of the attack or the identity of the lone gunman.

Alaba, 45, had 250 cases in his sala, said Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin, Central Luzon police director, citing information obtained by the police from the clerk of court.

Investigators are reviewing rulings that Alaba had rendered in recent years to find any lead.

Lacadin said at least two witnesses helped the police make a sketch of the assailant. The killer, witnesses said, did not cover his face during the attack at 2 p.m. on Sept. 1 as Alaba parked his car in front of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Barangay Suklayin. Alaba’s wife was wounded.

The assassin wore a cap and fled aboard a motorcycle, police said.

Lacadin said witnesses believed the gunman was not from the area because he did not conceal his identity.

“People [in the court compound and in the village of Suklayin] have this mind-set that the place is peaceful. The courts are in the middle of a rice field. They’re not suspicious of new faces so they did not mind the stream of people going to and leaving the courts,” he said.

Three security guards were assigned to the courts, but they failed to prevent the attack, he said.

Lacadin has ordered tightened security at the courts and Alaba’s house in Baler. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon