The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday, July 16, condemned the “treacherous and cold blooded” killing of a lady lawyer and her husband in Davao City last July 14.
Killed were lawyer Sitti Gilda Mahinay-Sapie and her husband, Muhaimen Mohammad Sapie, who, based on police reports, were gunned down outside their home at Solariega Subdivision in Barangay Talomo, Davao City.
The reports stated that the couple had been hosting a radio program over 94.7 Power Radio Davao.
The couple were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival.
“Amidst the apparent attacks on lawyers with impunity, we enjoin all Filipino lawyers to express their condemnation and indignation against the same by courageously upholding their sworn duty to provide justice for all,” the IBP said in a statement.
It called on the government “to protect its citizens from such brazen killings and to ensure that lawyers can do their jobs without fear of reprisal, attacks, and harassment.”
“The IBP extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Atty. Mahinay-Sapie and her husband whom they have suddenly left behind during this terrible time and will endeavor to provide the necessary aid and comfort to their family in their hour of need,” it said.
The IBP assured that it is prepared “to assist and coordinate with Atty. Gilda Mahinay-Sapie's family, investigators, and law enforcement officials in investigating, identifying, pursuing, arresting, and prosecuting the suspects.”