SC condemns killing of Butuan judge

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Sunday said it is outraged over the killing of a regional trial court judge in Butuan City.

"The Chief Justice and Associate Justices express their outrage and sadness at the killing of the Honorable Presiding Judge Godofredo Abul Jr. of the Regional Trial Court of Butuan City, Branch 4 and the injuries inflicted on his wife yesterday (Saturday), August 5, 2017," the SC said in a statement.

"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," it added.

Pimentel: Killing a challenge for PNP

Senate President  Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, a lawyer, also condemned the fatal attack on Abul.

"This brazen attack on a judge in his own home is an insult to our policemen. The killers are showing their complete disregard for the rule of law and showing their contempt for the ability of the Philippine National Police to catch them," Pimentel said in a statement.

Pimentel said, "The PNP has been challenged. The best possible way to respond is to arrest the killers."

Judge shot in the morning

On Saturday, Butuan City RTC Branch 4 judge Abul and his wife Bernadita were shot dead by an unknown attacker.

READ: Butuan judge shot dead

The victims were in their car and about to leave their house at Alviola Village in Barangay Tiniwisan on Saturday morning when an identified gunman entered the open gate of their garage and opened fire. The suspect fled on a motorcycle driven by his accomplice, witnesses said.

Prior to his death, Abul was suspended by the SC for six months starting February 2017 due to an extortion cased filed by a Catholic priest, whose relative is facing drug charges.

Abul was the second Caraga judge killed this year. The first one was retired Surigao City Judge Victor Canoy, who was also gunned down last February 2. —Rosette Adel