PPA official shot dead in Palawan

The administrative division officer-in-charge of the Philippine Ports Authority’s Port Management Office Palawan was killed in a shooting incident in front of his house in Puerto Princesa City Wednesday evening, the agency said.

In a statement Thursday, the PPA strongly condemned the killing of Atty. Joshua Abrina.

“We denounce this act of violence in the strongest possible terms and call on law enforcement authorities to pursue all leads to bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in a civilized society, and such actions will never deter the PPA community from performing its mandate of serving the Filipino people,” it added.

In a separate statement, the Puerto Princesa City Police Office said Abrina had just arrived home in Barangay San Jose from a prayer meeting with his family when an unidentified gunman shot him at 8:15 p.m.

The victim was unloading their belongings from their vehicle and preparing to enter their residence when the incident happened. He was brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

According to the city police, investigators are now gathering testimonies from witnesses, coordinating with local residents, and backtracking CCTV footage.

A Special Investigation Task Group has been created to focus on the case.

“We are committed to pursuing all leads and exerting our utmost effort to resolve this case promptly,” the Puerto Princesa City Police Office said.

“Likewise, we appeal to anyone who may have relevant information that could aid in the investigation to come forward and immediately coordinate with Police Station 2 or directly with the Puerto Princesa City Police Office,” it added.

‘Senseless act of violence’

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the DepEd Central Office is joining the entire education community and the people of Palawan in mourning the loss of Abrina, who previously served as Legal Officer of DepEd Palawan.

“We honor his service, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to protecting learners’ rights and strengthening the Department’s legal foundations,” Angara said.

He condemned the attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence against a member of our institution and the legal profession” and urged law enforcement to ensure swift justice.

DepEd said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to lend their support. The Department also emphasized the need to safeguard Abrina’s family and possible witnesses.

“His dedication to education and the rule of law will continue to inspire our mission of ensuring that every Filipino learner is nurtured in a safe, just, and compassionate environment,” Angara added.

The Supreme Court (SC) strongly condemned the killing, saying it strikes at the very core of justice and the rule of law.

“It must never be taken lightly. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Atty. Abrina during this time of grief and loss,” Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen said in a statement Thursday.

Leonen said he has directed the Chief Marshal and Deputy Marshal for Luzon to obtain updates of the incident in order to allow the court to review its policies.

Additionally, Leonen said he has directed the Court Administrator to instruct executive judges of first-level and second-level courts to hold dialogues and focused group discussion with Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) chapters and other organizations.

“These consultations aim to gain a better understanding of the situation in their area and gather recommendations on how the Court can further contribute to maintaining a level of safety for our lawyers,” he said. — with Sherilyn Untalan/AOL/RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News