The Supreme Court condemned the murder of Malolos Regional Trial Court Judge Wilfredo Nieves as local officials and fraternity brothers raised a P2-million bounty for any information that would lead to the arrest of the killers.
“The Court condemns in the strongest terms the killing of Judge Nieves and calls on the authorities concerned to take all necessary steps with all deliberate speed to do justice for Judge Nieves by fully investigating his killing,” the Supreme Court said in a statement.
The SC justices, led by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, expressed their “outrage and sadness” over the killing.
Malacañang, for its part, said the government will do everything possible to arrest the suspects.
“The killers of Judge Nieves are being tracked as the police and the government are determined to bring them to the bar of justice,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
“We recall that Judge Nieves was responsible for the speedy trial of a high-profile carnapping case, which resulted in the conviction of known carnapping suspects. We condemn this act of violence,” Coloma said.
Court Administrator Midas Marquez said based on court records, Nieves handled sensitive criminal cases, including the case against car theft syndicate head Raymond Dominguez, whom he convicted in 2012.
Investigators said they are looking at these cases to determine the motive of the killing, adding that Nieves did not receive any death threat prior to his murder.
Coloma said the government will work closely with the judiciary if they have suggestions as to how to ensure the safety of court officials.
“The government, through its security agencies, are willing to work with the judiciary in determining what are the appropriate measures for ensuring the security of our court officials,” Coloma said.
Nieves was shot several times Wednesday afternoon by men on board a white Toyota Innova while he was driving his dark gray Toyota Fortuner along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Tikay.
Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin has ordered the creation of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Nieves” to be headed by Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Divina.
“I want a thorough investigation and deeper probe on the shooting to death of the judge. I want speedy identification and apprehension of the suspects, as well as the giving of needed security and protection of the wife and other family members of the victim,” Lacadin said.