A lawyer was shot dead inside his own home in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, evening on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The victim, Atty. Joshua Lavega Abrina, was legal officer of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Palawan and was most recently connected with the Philippine Ports Authority in Puerto Princesa.

He reportedly left DepEd just over a month ago while handling sensitive cases linked to the controversial “item or position for sale” issue.

Authorities recovered an empty shell from the crime scene. Investigators have not released details on possible suspects or motives.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Palawan Chapter condemned the killing in a strongly worded statement, calling it a “brutal and senseless killing.”

“This is not an isolated tragedy. Over the past years, lawyers across the country have been harassed, attacked, and killed simply for performing their duty… An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us — and more so, an attack on the rule of law itself,” the group said.

To encourage witnesses to come forward, IBP Palawan also announced a P100,000 reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the identification of the suspect or masterminds.

“We will not rest. We will not be silent. We will not be cowed. For every lawyer killed is a blow to the pursuit of justice — and we must never let injustice prevail,” the IBP Palawan Chapter said.

Police investigators are continuing their probe, while IBP Palawan has urged authorities to form a task force to speed up the case.

(with reports from Super Radyo Palawan DYSP 909Khz)