NBI probes lawyer’s slay in Cebu


The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been tasked to investigate the killing of a lawyer in Cebu City.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)

Justice Sec. Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday (Nov. 25) said he himself ordered the NBI to investigate the death of lawyer Joey Luis Wee, 51, in Cebu City along with the killing of lawyer Eric Jay Magcamit, 35, in Palawan.

“The NBI is working hard on the investigation of the violent deaths of Attys. Magcamit and Wee,” Guevarra told reporters.

“More field operatives have been deployed in Palawan and Cebu to intensify their hunt for the perpetrators of these treacherous crimes,” he added.

The secretary assured that “the government is very much concerned about the increasing number of crimes committed against lawyers, prosecutors, and judges.”

With this, GUevarra stressed ”the government is committed to bring the perpetrators of these crimes before the bar of justice.

According to police, Wee was gunned down while walking to his office in Barangay Kasambagan last Monday, Nov. 23.

The victim was still rushed to a local hospital but had died during treatment.

Police said there were two unidentified gunmen responsible for the shooting.

Wee is believed to be the 53rd lawyer killed under the administration of President Duterte.

He is also the third lawyer killed just this month.

Magcamit was killed last Nov. 17 in Narra, Palawan after his vehicle was flagged down by unidentified assailants.

Prior this, Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 was shot and killed last Nov. 11 inside her courtroom at the Manila City Hall by her clerk of court, lawyer Amador Rebato, who himself committed suicide.