Netizens urged: Stop sharing graphic photos, videos of Manila City judge’s killing

MANILA, Philippines — A University of the Philippines (UP) Law professor has appealed to people on social media to stop sharing photos and videos of the gruesome attack against a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge “to respect her memory and protect her family.”

Lawyer and professor Susan Villanueva also asked netizens to report posts showing the incident involving Manila RTC Branch 45 Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla so that social media companies will take it down.

“RTC Judge Tess Abadilla was mercilessly killed in the line of duty. Despite the impending typhoon, she was in her sala trying to right a wrong so she can render justice,” Villanueva, who was also Abadilla’s sorority sister, said.

“To respect her memory and to protect her family, may I ask everyone to delete all photos and videos of her death from social media. Please stop sharing it. I also ask that you report all posts showing the incident so it can be taken down,” she added.

Abadilla was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon by her court branch clerk named Atty. Amador Rebato Jr., who later also killed himself, according to police.

Alleged photos and videos of the incident subsequently circulated on social media.

READ: Lawyer shoots self to death after killing RTC judge inside Manila City Hall

“Let us all be sensitive and do the right thing,” Villanueva urged netizens.

Aside from Villanueva, many netizens also called out the media and other individuals sharing the alleged videos of the attack, saying such scenes might not be helpful for people dealing with mental issues.

KGA