IBP-Negros Or condemns killing of lawyer

CEBU, Philippines - Officers and directors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Oriental chapter have approved a resolution expressing shock and indignation against those responsible for the killing of 68-year-old lawyer Ramon Eduardo Elesteria in Bayawan City on Tuesday.

The IBP-Negros Oriental chapter, headed by lawyer Cyrus Riconalla, said it condemned the “brutal, dastardly and cowardly acts of shooting and killing members of the legal profession,” the latest of whom was Elesteria. “Such acts have no proper place in the Philippine society, especially in the province of Negros Oriental,” it stated.

The resolution further said: “Lawyers represent a system of securing due process to every individual, a profession that intends to eradicate violence and serve the ends of justice. Thus it is horrific that some of us become victims of violence.”

The killing of lawyers in the province has remained unsolved to this day, including that of Judge Orlando Velasco in 2007, lawyers Eleazar Casipong, Archer Baldwin Martinez, Manolo Zerna and lately Elesteria. Three of them were killed in Bayawan City, one in Dumaguete City and one in Tanjay City.

The lawyers’ group also urged the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, headed by Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, and the Bayawan City Police, led by Supt. Dominiciano Distrito Jr. to resolve the killing immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The lawyers further called on the public to cooperate in the investigation by providing vital information to the police as it will be crucial to stop these vicious acts.

The IBP-Negros Oriental had scheduled an indignation march and rally on October 6, from the Hall of Justice at Piapi to the Aquino Freedom Park.

Probers in the Elesteria killing disclosed the incident was planned and executed by two men, in their 20s, using .45-caliber and 9-mm pistols. However it could not be ascertained yet if there were four others who acted as lookouts and backups.

Distrito said the two men, of medium built, were first seen around the Hall of Justice, minutes before the shooting. They did not cover their faces, and were wearing denim and khaki pants. They walked out of the scene on foot, after killing Elesteria.

Regional Trial Court-Branch 30 Judge Cresencio Tan Jr. described Elesteria as a very professional lawyer, who continued to practice his profession even after retiring as head of the Public Attorney’s Office.

Tan said Elesteria never had any heated conflict with prosecutors, thus he saw no reason for killing the lawyer, who had been handling cases of people accused in illegal gambling and drugs in Dumaguete.

“We are now all worried and concerned about our own security, and that we are again exercising extra efforts in security. The executive judge has given instructions to tighten security at the Hall of Justice in Dumaguete, and that we should be careful in our movements,” he added.  (FREEMAN)