Slain lawyer assisted land grabbers, involved in gambling —PNP

The Philippine National Police in the Western Visayas has identified persons of interest in the killing of human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos.

PNP Region VI police director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said investigators have also narrowed down the possible motives in Ramos' killing his defense of farmers in land disputes and his alleged gambling activities.

"Attorney Ramos provides legal assistance and counsel for farmers involved in forced land occupation and land grabbing, receiving an alleged share," Bulalacao said.

"This infuriated the landlords and legitimate land beneficiaries," he added.

"Another angle that is being investigated is his involvement in gambling as he is deeply engaged in such vice," Bulalacao said.

Bulalacao said the PNP could not divulge more information as such may preempt and compromise the ongoing investigation.

Ramos, secretary-general of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers-Negros Occidental chapter, was gunned downed by motorcycle-riding men in the province on Tuesday night.

The slain lawyer had provided legal assistance to the families of the Sagay massacre victims.

He also represented the Mabinay Six , a group of individuals including a youth leader who had been arrested on suspicion of being members of the New People's Army.

On Wednesday, former Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Colmenares blamed Duterte's red-tagging of human rights workers and lawyers as communists for Ramos' murder.

The Palace hit back at critics, calling their rebukes "irresponsible" and "baseless." —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News