The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a formal investigation into the killing of lawyer Joshua Abrina, officer-in-charge of the Administrative Division of the Port Management Office (PMO) of Palawan, who was shot in front of his residence in Puerto Princesa City last Wednesday evening.
In a statement on Friday, PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said he already ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to form a special team tasked to “identify, arrest and file airtight cases” against the suspects.
Nartatez echoed statements of condemnation over the “senseless act of violence” perpetrated against Abrina, who also served as legal officer of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Palawan before he moved to the PPA.
“Justice must be served,” the PNP acting chief said in a statement, noting that CIDG investigators were instructed to look into all possible motives behind the crime. “We aim to give the victim justice as well as his family,” he added.
According to a statement posted by the PPA on Thursday, Abrina attended a prayer meeting with his family prior to the incident. He was gunned down by unidentified assailants just as he was about to enter their house in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City.
The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention, but was declared on arrival.
The PPA expressed its condolences to the Abrina family and vowed to provide them assistance in this time of grief. The PPA-PMO in Palawan also pledged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in their ongoing investigation.
“The PPA likewise implemented stricter security protocols in Palawan ports and other areas of operation to ensure the safety of employees,” the agency said.
DepEd also issued an official statement, urging the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to “lend their full support and expertise to ensure the swift delivery of justice.”
Nartatez asked the public to cooperate with authorities if they have any information that can help resolve the case, emphasizing the PNP’s commitment to get to the bottom of this crime.
