The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has appealed to netizens to stop engaging in speculation and rumors surrounding the death of Judge Maria Theresa Abadilla of the Manila City Regional Trial Court, who was shot inside her office by her own clerk of court.
“As we denounce the killing of Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla and grieve a great loss to the judiciary, we call out the speculations and rumors, bordering on misogyny or victim-blaming, that circulated upon the news of her death,” IBP president Domingo Cayosa said in a statement.
Cayosa pleaded to the public to refrain from sharing the photos and videos that were taken moments after the 44-year-old judge was shot in the head last Wednesday by lawyer Amador Rebato Jr., who shot himself thereafter.
“We decry the exploitative sharing of graphic and gory videos or photos of her brutal killing that violate her privacy and offend the feelings of her family and loved ones,” Cayosa said.
He urged the people concerned to take down the photos and videos and to stop publishing them.
“We respect the memory of and do justice to Judge Abadilla and all judges, prosecutors, lawyers and workers in the justice sector who were killed for doing their sworn duty even under challenging circumstances by adhering to facts, conducting a thorough and credible investigation, quickly and ensuring accountability after due process, and instituting reforms to protect and secure those who implement the rule of law,” Cayosa said.
“We honor the supreme sacrifice of Judge Abadilla and all our fallen colleagues by courageously and consistently improving the administration of justice.”
The IBP earlier said it would help lawyers to improve their “personal security” and handle stress following the killing of Abadilla.
Cayosa said he hoped the government and concerned sectors would cooperate “to ensure that differences could be resolved responsibly, quickly and peacefully.”