IBP calls on PNP, NBI to investigate fatal shooting of lawyer in Batangas

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday called on the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a speedy investigation on the killing of a lawyer in Batangas last week.

February 21, 2022: IBP Statement on the Murder of Atty. Reginald Michael C. Manito pic.twitter.com/qLLQpkOyOR

— Integrated Bar of the Philippines (@IntegratedBarPH) February 21, 2022

On February 17,  lawyer Reginald Michael Manito was gunned down by two suspects who entered his office in Barangay Poblacion, Sto. Tomas City.

"Hindi lamang ang naulilang pamilya ni Atty. Manito ang nawalan ng mapagmahal na asawa at ulirang ama," the IBP said in a statement.

(It is not only Atty. Manito's family that lost a loving husband and father.)

"Bagkus, ang sambayanang Pilipino ay nawalan ng isang abogado na walang pakundangang tatayo sa harap ng hukuman upang ipagtanggol ang karapatan ng mga kapus palad at mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan," it added.

(The Filipino people also lost a lawyer who would face the court to defend the rights of the unfortunate and the poor.)

The IBP also expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, saying Manito's death has orphaned three children as well as his 3-month pregnant wife.

Manito was running for a seat in the city council.

The Commission on Human Rights has started an independent investigation into the killing of Manito.

Authorities are still investigating the shooting incident to identify the suspects. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News