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Butuan RTC judge shot dead, wife wounded
Published August 5, 2017 5:23pm
A trial court judge was shot dead inside his house's compound in Butuan City on Saturday morning.
Police identified the victim as 68-year-old Judge Godofredo Abul Jr. of the Butuan City Regional Trial Court Branch 4.
Abul's wife, Bernadeth, was hurt in the shooting incident that took place at around 10 a.m.
Police said the gunman shot the victims inside their compound in Alviola Village.
The judge's wife was opening the gates when the gunmen shot her. The gunman then shot the judge, who was in his car, police said.
In a statement, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines' Board of Governors said it was "saddened and shocked by the violent killing" of Judge Abul.
"This is the latest in a string of murders befalling the members of the legal profession. Though the loss of one life is already too much, the frequency and the sheer violence attending these acts have reached alarming levels," it said.
"The IBP sees the killing of Judge Abul as a stain against the Rule of Law. We view all judges as members of our profession - one that is sworn to protect everyone's right to life, liberty and property. Any life - be it innocent or guilty - does not deserve to be taken away so lightly by unaccountable assassins," it added.
It urged the police to make sure that the judges' "killers and their principals" are identified and arrested. —report from Louie Oranda/ALG, GMA News
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