Lawyers’ group condemns killing of Bukidnon colleague

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A group of lawyers in Mindanao condemned the recent killing of their colleague in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, branding it an “attack on the rule of law in general.

The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) said in a statement that the killing of Winston Intong is symptomatic of the continuing state of impunity in the country.

“The state of impunity in the country would further fuel the spate of killings not just against members of the bar but also of ordinary folks,” the group said.

Intong was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding assailants outside his residence in Malaybalay City on Thursday, as he was buying some vegetables.

The group has noted that there have been 54 lawyers, prosecutors and judges who fell victims to extrajudicial killings since 2016.

The UPLM said it has called on the government to act decisively to end the attacks.

According to lawyer Beverly Musni, a member of the UPLM, the government “must exact accountability through the swift and effective investigation and prosecution of the killers of Atty. Winston Intong, by way of showing its seriousness to stem the increasing tide of impunity in the country today.”

“Members of the legal profession must unite, rise and act on the brazen and seemingly endless attacks against lawyers, prosecutors, and judges,” Musni added.

CFC