ACTING CHIEF Justice Antonio T. Carpio on Wednesday issued a statement condemning “in the strongest terms” the killing of Judge Ricky C. Begino of the Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court of San Jose and Lagonot in Camarines Sur.
Authorities captured suspect Wilfredo Armea on Tuesday night, hours after he shot the 49-year-old judge near his home.
Motive for the killing has yet to be fully determined as the supposed land dispute has been settled, according to a report by Philippine Star regional partner Bicol Standard.
Mr. Carpio called “on the authorities concerned to take all necessary steps with all deliberate speed to do justice for Judge Begino by fully investigating his killing.”
Ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno also issued a statement expressing “her profound sadness at the murder, yet again of another judge and a friend.”
“He was a kind and good human being… So many lawyers, prosecutors, and judges have tasted violent death in the recent years,” Ms. Sereno said.
She added she was “relieved with the prompt action of authorities in his case, but requests them to address the increasing frequency of violent attacks against our people, including those involved in the administration of justice.”
Last year, Butuan City Judge Godofredo B. Abul, Jr. was killed in a drive-by shooting in August while retired Surigao City Judge Victor A. Canoy was killed in February.
Attacks on state prosecutors have also claimed four lives and injured one since the start of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

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