SC welcomes NBI probe of judge’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) welcomed the move of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to have the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conduct its own probe of the killing of a judge in Manila, an official said yesterday.

The NBI can do an investigation of the killing of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 45 Judge Ma. Teresa Abadilla last Wednesday “because a crime has been committed,” according to SC Administrator Midas Marquez.

“But we are also investigating and reviewing court policies,” he added.

The Manila Police District has closed the case on Abadilla’s killing by her clerk of court, lawyer Amador Rebato Jr., in her chambers. He drew a gun he carried in a clutch bag.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the NBI was directed to conduct a parallel probe as he noted that the shooting raised security concerns for judges and justices.

He said the NBI’s investigation also seeks to determine the angles and the motive of Rebato in shooting Abadilla.

Guevarra said that they will also make some recommendations to the SC on improving security measures in all halls of justice and courtrooms.