NBI probes ambush of Cebu lawyer

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday said it has started its probe on the ambush and attempted murder of a lawyer in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Last week, lawyer Karen Quiñanola-Gonzales and her 19-year-old son, Jeremy Keith, were ambushed while driving home.

Quiñanola-Gonzales sustained bullet wounds in her neck while her son was shot in the back. They were both rushed to the hospital.

“The NBI is conducting an investigation on the said case,” NBI spokesperson Giselle Dumlao said in a message to reporters.

Dumlao said the family requested the NBI to conduct an investigation.

She said the NBI Cebu District Office was assigned to the case.

Meanwhile, the Free Legal Assistance Group has condemned the ambush. It also called on Congress to enact legislation protecting human rights defenders and penalizing attacks against them.

CHR to conduct separate probe

In a separate statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it dispatched its regional team to look into the ambush incident.

The commission similarly condemned the attack on members of the legal profession.

“CHR vehemently decries this latest attempt against a lawyer and calls for swift action from all concerned authorities to ensure accountability of perpetrators,” said CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia.

“It cannot be overemphasized that lawyers and judges deserve utmost protection and an enabling environment that will allow them to freely dispense their duties without the perpetual fear that it may lead to harmful and/or violent reprisal,” she added.

De Guia also echoed the reiteration of the Supreme Court on the need to protect lawyers, judges, and the Judiciary which serves as “the bedrock on which the rule of law stands.”

As the country commemorates the Rule of Law Month, De Guia said they denounce all violence and threats committed against lawyers and judges.

She also affirmed the commission’s commitment in helping investigate cases of possible human rights abuse and violations committed against them.

“Investigation of cases, including those handled by the Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies, must also continue to be pursued to exact accountability and similarly serve as concrete basis for enacting rules and policies that will uphold the protection and welfare of all lawyers and judges,” De Guia said.

“The government must also ensure preventive mechanisms and protection, including passing a legislation, that will concretely address the continuing violence against legal professionals and all those working for justice and human rights,” she further said.—with Mel Matthew Doctor/AOL, GMA News