Guevarra orders probe into killing of lawyer in South Cotabato

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered an investigation into the killing of human rights lawyer Juan Macababbad in South Cotabato last week.  

In a department order issued on Monday, Guevarra tasked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct the probe and file the appropriate charges against all persons involved. 

The police are also investigating the incident. 

Macababbad was gunned down by unidentified assailants outside his residence in Surallah town on September 15. He was later declared dead on arrival at the hospital. 

Following the incident, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) called for a nationwide effort to protect lawyers and judges, saying the killings could no longer be ignored. 

“Lawyers are mandated to strive for justice, and they must be able to do so without fear of reprisal or violence,” IBP president Burt Estrada said.

Estrada also said the IBP would assist in and monitor the investigation and prosecution of Macababbad’s case. —KG, GMA News