The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has condemned the attempted killing of Vice Mayor Omar Samama, a lawyer, of Datu Piang town in Maguindanao del Sur.

“This heinous act of violence against a lawyer is not only an attack on an individual but also an assault on the rule of law and the principles of justice that our society upholds,” the IBP said in a statement. 

Samama was shot last Feb. 24 while delivering a speech in his town.

The IBP said the the shooting is “a brazen and cowardly attack” against Samama whom it described as “a dedicated public servant and esteemed member of the legal profession.”

“We call upon law enforcement authorities to act with urgency and diligence in investigating this incident,” it said. 

“It is imperative that the perpetrators of this crime are swiftly brought to justice to ensure that such acts of violence do not go unpunished and to restore the public’s faith in our justice system,” it added.