The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to provide protection to a lawyer who was attacked in his home in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur last Feb. 10.

The request was aired in behalf of Florante Clod T. Sanico who was not hurt but whose car was damaged as a result of the attack.

“The IBP thus respectfully call upon our law enforcement agencies, particularly the PNP and the NBI, to thoroughly investigate the matter, exact accountability, and more importantly, promote state responsibility to ensure that lawyers can do their job without threats, harassment, intimidation, or retribution,” the IBP said in a statement.

It also “requests the PNP and NBI to possibly provide protection to Atty. Sanico and his family until this matter is successfully resolved so that Atty. Sanico could discharge his duties as a member of the bar and officer of the court free from the threat of reprisals against his life and that of his family.”

It assured that Sanico will cooperate “to bring the perpetrators to justice and stand to his fidelity to the oath he gave as a member of the bar.”

It pointed out that the attack against Sanico has a clear message: “Back off or expect something worse the next time.”

“The said incident adds to the growing number of attacks and killings against lawyers, prosecutors and judges in recent years,” it lamented.

It declared that it “condemns such brazen and malicious scheme of coercing and compelling a member of the bar and officer of the court from competently and wholeheartedly fulfilling his professional duties to his client and to the court.”

“Apart from instilling fear and restlessness in the hearts and minds of the family of Atty. Sanico, such scheme clearly undermines the administration of justice, which is one of the hallmarks of society,” it said.