Reginald Michael Manito: June 25, 1979 - Feb. 17, 2022 (Facebook photo)
MANILA – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) wants a speedy resolution of the case of the slain Batangas lawyer who was also seeking a local position.
Reginald Michael Manito 42, was shot to death by still unidentified men inside his office along Gov. Malvar Ave. in Barangay Poblacion 1, Sto. Tomas town on February 17.
The father of three and a still unborn child was running for councilor. He was declared dead at Saint Frances Cabrini Medical Center.
According to the police, two suspects barged into Manito’s office at about 11 a.m..
The incident was also witnessed by his secretary, who was unhurt.
"Nanawagan ang IBP sa mga kina-uukulan, lalung-lalo na ang Philippine National Police at ang National Bureau of Investigation sa agarang pag-imbestiga at pagdakip sa mga salarin upang sila ay managot sa ilalim ng ating batas (The IBP calls upon the authorities, especially the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, to immediately investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice)," the IBP said in a statement on Monday.
The IBP said there have been 70 lawyers, prosecutors, and judges killed since 2016.
The Batangas State University College of Law similarly demanded justice for the “dreadful incident” in a statement on Saturday.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, "strongly denounced” the latest killing" of another member of the legal profession and asked for tighter security measures during the election season.
"There have been numerous attacks against lawyers in recent years, which contribute to a hostile and fearful environment for those working to pursue justice. Further violence can be deterred by exacting justice on each case that violates the utmost right to life. We call on the local authorities in Batangas to exert all efforts to guarantee accountability," De Guia said in a statement, also on Saturday. (PNA)
