IBP denounces killing of ex-prosecutor
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has called on authorities to solve the killing of former Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Salvador Soliman.
“The national leadership of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines decries and condemns the murder of lawyer Salvador Soliman of Cebu - the most recent in a quick succession of treacherous attacks against lawyers,” said IBP National President Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo in a statement.
“What adds ignominy to this heinous offense is that it was perpetrated without regard to the sanctity of home and family,” Fajardo said.
Last Monday, unidentified gunmen stormed into Soliman’s house in Singson Village in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, and shot him and his wife, Pastora.
Soliman died at the scene while Pastora remains in hospital.
“We call on the authorities to solve this case with competence and dispatch,” Fajardo said.
“Lawyers, prosecutors, and judges are being targeted with surging frequency and impunity. This has spawned a dark halo of fear that impacts negatively on the most important pillars of the justice system,” he pointed out.
Fajardo reminded that, “Lawyers are professionals who must not be associated with the perceived crimes of their clients.”
“We are sworn to advocate our clients’ causes within the bounds of law, free from fear and intimidation, and regardless of our own opinions as to their guilt and innocence,” he said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has expressed willingness to provide assistance to police in the Soliman case.
“We at the DOJ (Department of Justice) are saddened by his tragic death, and we are ready to assist the police in solving the case,” Guevarra said.
He said he does not believe the killing has anything to do with the victim’s previous job as a prosecutor.
Guevarra explained that Soliman retired 20 years ago.
Active and former government prosecutors who have been killed under the watch of President Duterte include Ombudsman Assistant Special Prosecutor Madonna Joy Enaco-Tanyag, Mati City Prosecutor Rolando Acido, Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Johanne Noel Mingoa, Caloocan City Prosecutor Diosdado Azarcon, Rizal Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Maria Ronatay, Quezon Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Reymund Luna, Quezon City Deputy Prosecutor Rogelio Velasco, and retired Ozamiz City prosecutor Geronimo Marabe.