THE SUPREME COURT (SC) yesterday condemned the killing of Butuan City Judge Godofredo B. Abul, Jr. as the high court justices called for a speedy and thorough investigation on the drive-by shooting that also left his wife injured. An unidentified gunman onboard a motorcycle fired at Mr. Abul and his wife, Bernadeth Casuna Abul, as they were about to leave their residence Saturday morning. The SC, in a statement, said, “They call on the authorities concerned to take all necessary steps with all deliberate speed to do justice for Judge Abul and his wife by fully investigating the crimes committed.” The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), on Saturday, also expressed “sadness and shock on the violent killing” of Mr. Abul. “This is the latest in the string of murders befalling the members of the legal profession. Though the loss of one life is already too much, the frequency and the sheer violence attending these acts have reached alarming levels,” the IBP said. Mr. Abul was the second judge in the Caraga Region gunned down this year after retired Surigao City Judge Victor A. Canoy was killed last Feb. 2. Attacks on state prosecutors also claimed four lives and injured one since the start of the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. — Kristine Joy V. Patag

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