BANGUED, Abra – Abra Rep. Ching Bernos has condemned the murder of lawyer Maria Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate here on Thursday, September 14.
“We send our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the grieving family of Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate on her untimely and tragic death,” Bernos said.

AN appeal for justice for Alzate who was shot dead in Bangued, Abra on Thursday, September 14. (Rep. Ching Bernos FB)
“Atty. Alzate is known to us all as a defender of the people in need. She devoted her life in the relentless pursuit of justice, helping people in seeking legal remedies to their causes. However, her life was cut short when she was mercilessly killed by unidentified men outside her home – a heartbreaking and terrible incident that is shaking our province yet again,” she said.
“We condemn this tragic incident as an attack not only on the life and legacy of Atty. Alzate, but also on the peace-loving community of Abreños – the community that she stood with and fought for,” Bernos added.
The lady lawmaker said such cold-blooded violence has no place in Abra, as she called on the authorities to swiftly resolve the killing of Alzate and bring her killers to justice to serve as an example of the might of the law against those who wish to disturb the peace in this province.
“We are one with her husband Judge Raphiel F. Alzate and her entire family in calling for justice for Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate. Together, we will persevere to continue keeping Abra safe, peaceful, and orderly for all,” she said.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Northern Luzon also condemned the killing of Alzate and sought justice for her death.
Alzate was killed by unidentified gunmen while she was inside her car parked in front of her house on Santiago St., Zone 3, here.
She was taken to the Seares Memorial Hospital in this town where she was declared dead.
The victim is the wife of lawyer Raphiel F. Alzate, former acting Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Ilocos Sur and the RTC Branch 58 in Abra.