THE INTEGRATED Bar of the Philippines on Thursday welcomed the filing of criminal charges against the suspects in the killing of lawyer Eric Jay Magcamit in Palawan.
IBP national president Domingo Egon Cayosa said they have been working with government agencies under the organization's Lawyer Security Program.
In a statement, Cayosa said they “appreciate and commend the swift action” of those who helped bring the suspects before the bar of justice.
The group said it is working for similar results in the November 23 killing of lawyer Joey Luis Wee in Cebu City.
"Beyond the consistent condemnation and justified outrage, we must act resolutely on lawyer-killings because violence against judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and our fellow workers in the justice sector mocks and erodes the rule of law," the IBP added.
Nine suspects, including a police officer, are facing murder charges over the ambush-slay of Magcamit in Narra, Palawan last November 17.
Among those indicted is Senior M/Sgt. Ariel Pareja, who is now under the restrictive custody of the Palawan Police.
Also named respondents in the charges filed on Wednesday before the Palawan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office were Jazer del Rosario, Marcelino Quioyo, and six John Does.
Police Regional Office 4-B (Mimaropa) Director, Brig. Gen. Pascual Muñoz, said Pareja has been working as a bodyguard of Quioyo, who is involved in a court case over a land dispute where Magcamit was representing the other party.
Muñoz said administrative charges were also being prepared against Pareja, based on his indictment in the murder case.
The PNP has also identified "persons of interest" in Wee's killing. (By Benjamin Pulta)
