Lawyer shot dead in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — A lawyer was gunned down in Narra, Palawan yesterday.

Eric Jay Magcamit, 35, was driving his Toyota Innova on his way to a court hearing when he was shot in Sitio Caraniogan, Barangay Malinao at around 6:46 a.m., Mimaropa police spokesperson Lt. Col. Imelda Tolentino said.

Quoting a police report, Tolentino said the victim was pulled over by the suspects and was shot several times when he stepped out of his vehicle.

Probers secured dashcam footage from the vehicle of the victim, which caught the image of the suspects.

Days before the incident, Magcamit told his wife that a vehicle had tailed him on several occasions.

Probers said the shooting could be work-related.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) condemned the killing, saying it was an attack not only on one of their members but also on the justice system.

IBP-Palawan president Richalex Jagmis said the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to assist the Philippine National Police in solving the killing.

“We’ll let the local police do the initial investigation and gather some facts. I will direct the NBI to stand by to render assistance if necessary,” Guevarra said.

NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor said he ordered their district office in Puerto Princesa to conduct a parallel probe.

More than 50 lawyers and judges have been killed since the start of President Duterte assumed office in 2016.