Lawyer shot dead in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - A 71-year-old lawyer was shot dead in his Novaliches, Quezon City house Friday night by a group of men who posed as his clients.

Ernesto Jacinto, of Villa Verde Subdivision, Barangay Sta. Monica, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the body and was declared dead on arrival at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Hospital.

Police Officer 2 Roland Belgica said Jacinto’s maid, Petronila Serafin, 39, also suffered a gunshot wound in the abdomen during the attack and was rushed to the same hospital, where she remains confined.

According to Belgica, the killing may have been related to one of the cases being handled by the lawyer. He said they are still going through the slain lawyer’s pending cases.

Another helper at the house said three unidentified men were involved in the killing, which happened at around 8 p.m. at Jacinto’s makeshift office in his garage. The attackers were armed with .45 caliber and 9mm pistols.

Jacinto’s secretary received a call from a man who identified himself as a certain George at around 5 p.m. Friday. The man wanted to schedule an appointment and meet the lawyer that night.

Though the lawyer suggested that they meet the following day, he eventually agreed to meet that night.

A black sport utility vehicle arrived at the house that night. It was parked at a dark section of the road just past Jacinto’s house. The attackers got out of the SUV and introduced themselves as the persons who were scheduled to meet with Jacinto. One of the men stood in front of the gate while two sat at the receiving area at the garage.

Belgica said the lawyer had just gotten out of the house and was entering his office when the men shot at him. Serafin, who was feeding the dogs, was hit by one of the attackers as they fled the house.