Raps filed vs. cop, 8 other suspects in Palawan lawyer slay —police

Criminal complaints have been filed against nine suspects, including a policeman, in the killing of Palawan lawyer Eric Jay Magcami, police said Thursday.

A police report said murder complaints were filed against the suspects, including Police Senior Master Sergeant Ariel Pareja, Jazer del Rosario, Marcelino Quioyo, and six others, before the Palawan Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

The PNP said Pareja is now under restrictive custody of the Palawan Police Provincial Office. Administrative complaints will also be filed against him, it added.

Police said Pareja has been moonlighting as a bodyguard for Quioyo, who was involved in a court case over a land dispute where Magcamit was representing the other party.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President Domingo Egon Cayosa lauded the "swift action" that led to the filing of complaints.

Magcamit was driving along the national highway in Narra, Palawan, on November 17 when he was flagged down and shot by two people, according to police. The lawyer was on his way to a hearing.

"We appreciate and commend the swift action and all those who helped bring the murderers before the bar of justice," Cayosa said in a statement, explaining that IBP leaders and Magcamit's fellow lawyers have coordinated with intelligence, law enforcement, investigation and prosecution agencies under their lawyer security program.

Joey Luis Wee

Cayosa said they are working for similar results in the killing of another lawyer, Joey Luis Wee, in Cebu City. Wee was shot outside his office building last November 23.

The IBP chief said the killings of lawyers must be "resolutely" acted upon beyond expressions of outrage.

"For if those who administer justice are themselves killed with impunity, how can the ordinary citizen believe in due process or feel safe and secure?" he said.

He said there are other cases of lawyer killings that remain unsolved. More than 50 lawyers, prosecutors, and judges have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016.

He called on lawyers who hold key positions in government to promptly resolve pending cases, pass the necessary laws and rules, and enforce the law fairly.

"We share the fear and frustrations of many about the brazen violence, continuing criminality and appalling impunity in our country. Justice is distant and delayed for too many victims," Cayosa said. 

"Since lawyers administer the justice system and occupy key positions in government, we must humbly recognize our individual and collective responsibility and shortcomings so that we may courageously do justice without delay," he added. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News