The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Sunday, Jan. 2, renewed its call for a nationwide effort to protect lawyers, prosecutors, and judges following the murder of a government prosecutor in Cavite last Dec. 31.
In a statement, the IBP said the killing of Trece Martires City Assistant City Prosecutor Edilberto Mendoza was the 66th during the administration of President Duterte.
“We cannot ignore the disturbing and increasing frequency of lawyer killings,” IBP President Burt M. Estrada said.
“We will not stand idly by and watch as many more of our brethren are attacked and murdered,” he declared.
He said the IBP is “saddened and appalled by the treacherous and cold-blooded killing of Assistant City Prosecutor (ACP) Edilberto Mendoza.”
“Assistant City Prosecutor (ACP) Edilberto Mendoza was gunned down in front of his home on Friday, December 31, making him the 66th lawyer killed during President Duterte’s administration,” he noted.
“He had been an active and supportive member of IBP Cavite which he unceasingly and bravely served,” he added.
The IBP expressed its condolences to Mendoza’s family, relatives and friends as it assured that it will “endeavor to immediately process the release of the IBP benefits due to his heirs.”
“The IBP will likewise assist in, and monitor the investigation and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” Estrada said.
“Accordingly, the IBP will also continue to work with the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police to address these rising attacks against its members just as it calls upon our police and investigative agencies to formulate and implement specific measures to improve the security of lawyers, judges, and prosecutors and to expeditiously resolve its investigations on these killings so that the perpetrators are swiftly and truly held accountable,” he stressed.