The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday vowed to help improve the security of lawyers as well as help them deal with stress following the killing of a lady judge inside her courtroom in Manila.
“IBP will continue to help lawyers handle stress and improve their personal security,” said IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa in a statement.
“We hope that the government and all sectors will cooperate to ensure that differences may be resolved responsibly, quickly, and peacefully,” he said.
Cayosa issued the statement following the killing of Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 inside her courtroom at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday.
She was shot by her clerk of court, Atty. Amador Rebato Jr., who also killed himself.
Cayosa said that when news broke out about the shooting, the IBP was conducting a webinar on how to manage stress during the pandemic along with the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Psychiatric Association.
“Lawyering is one of the most stressful professions. This is compounded by the unabated killings of judges, prosecutors, and lawyers, the additional risks and burdens brought by the COVID 19 pandemic, and the creeping culture of violence and impunity in our society,” the IBP president said.
Cayosa said the IBP condoles with the families of Abadilla and Rebato.
“We fervently pray for the repose of their souls and for fortitude, healing, and peace among their families, friends, and loved ones,” he said.