Lawyer Joshua Lavega Abrina was shot dead by an unknown assailant in front of his house in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on September 17. He had just returned from a prayer meeting with his family when the shooting occurred. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The police confirmed that Abrina was a former legal officer of the DepEd Palawan and was last assigned to the Philippine Ports Authority. The Puerto Princesa police have formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to look into the case.
According to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, Abrina is the eighth lawyer to be killed since the current administration began. The Supreme Court strongly condemned the crime, calling it a “senseless act of violence.”
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Palawan Chapter also issued a statement saying that Abrina's death was not an isolated case, but part of a worsening culture of impunity and lack of fear of the law. They called on the PNP and NBI to immediately investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
The IBP promised to use all means to achieve justice for Abrina. Meanwhile, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen ordered court officials to obtain separate updates from government agencies regarding the case.
