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MANILA, Philippines – Suspects in the murder of Palawan attorney Eric Jay Magcamit have been arrested and charged, the Integrated Bar Association of the Philippines (IBP) said Thursday.
“Within a week, the murderers and their cohorts were identified, arrested and charged,” IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa said in a statement.
“We appreciate and commend the swift action (of law enforcement officers) and all those who helped bring the murderers to court,” he added.
Cayosa did not name the suspects. Police previously identified four “persons of interest” in Magcamit’s murder.
Magcamit was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in the southern Palawan town of Narra on November 17. He was on his way to Quezon City in Puerto Princesa when the two suspects stopped his Toyota Innova in the city of Narra.
Cayosa said IBP is also working to obtain similar results in the murder of another lawyer, Joey Luis Wee, in Cebu City.
Wee was shot dead by two unidentified men while walking to his office in Barangay Kasambagan on November 23.
“Beyond constant condemnation and justified outrage, we must act decisively on the killings of lawyers because violence against judges, prosecutors, attorneys and our fellow workers in the justice sector mocks and erodes the rule of law” said the head of the IBP.
“Because if those who administer justice are killed with impunity, how can the common citizen believe in due process or feel safe and protected?” added.
He called on attorneys to promptly terminate long-pending cases, pass corrective laws and regulations, and enforce the law fairly and without favors.
“We share the fear and frustration of many at the blatant violence, continuing criminality and appalling impunity in our country. Justice is distant and delayed for too many victims, ”Cayosa said.
“As attorneys administer the justice system and occupy key positions in government, we must humbly acknowledge our individual and collective responsibility and our shortcomings so that we can deliver justice courageously and without delay,” he added.
EDV
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