(Eagle News)—–The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has urged the Supreme Court to “take appropriate steps” for an “independent probe” of killings of lawyers since June 30, 2016.
The IBP, through its president Abdiel Dan Fajardo, made the call after Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe, a lawyer, was shot dead in Albay over the weekend.
His bodyguard was also killed.
The IBP also urged the Supreme Court to convene a dialogue with its members, state security forces, civil society organizations and other lawyers’ groups, among others, to discuss ways to ensure the safety of lawyers.
“We join other sectors in condemning his daylight assassination even as we remain shocked by the audacity of the concerted action that can only find success in an environment that fosters impunity,” the IBP said.
