SHOOTING. Responders carry the wounded lawyer, 60-year-old Alexandra Lacaba, after a shooting incident while implementing a writ of demolition at a property in Palo town, Leyte province on Jan. 25, 2023. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Leyte chapter has condemned the incident that also hurt a court personnel. (Screen grab from Jousvel Fabi's video)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Leyte chapter here has condemned the recent shooting that wounded a lawyer and a court personnel while serving a demolition order in Palo town, Leyte province.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the local IBP also urged government authorities for a fair investigation of the incident that almost killed lawyer Alexandra Lacaba, 60, and Tacloban Regional Trial Court personnel Adolfo Petilla, 59, on Wednesday.
“While lawyers and court officers always carry with them risk concomitant to the job, it is not acceptable that violence will be used. If not strongly condemned and if not acted upon swiftly, this incident will establish negative precedence to future litigants,” the group said.
The group also said the incident might have a “chilling effect" among members of the legal profession. They vowed not to be cowered by senseless attacks.
“Lawyers and court officers are only doing their jobs. Getting shot or injured while doing so should never come along with the peaceful administration of justice. The law may not be acceptable to everyone, but it is the law and no one has the right to put the law into their hands,” the group added.
On Wednesday, Lacaba, Petilla, court Sheriff Danilo Obendenciana and a representative from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) were implementing a writ of demolition at a property in Cavite West village in Palo town.
The property occupant, Conrado Boren Sr., 67, reportedly fired at the demolition team, wounding the victims.
Boren was arrested by police escorting the demolition team. Recovered from his possession was a .45-caliber gun with three empty shells and a misfired cartridge.
The suspect is now facing charges of frustrated murder and violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. (PNA)
