The Malacañang condemned the brutal murder of a human rights lawyer Atty. Maria Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales-Alzate, who died after two suspects riding a motorcycle shot her in front of her house in Bangued, Abra on Thursday.
In a statement on Saturday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin extended his condolences to Atty. Alzate’s bereaved family, saying that they will seek justice for the victim.
Bersamin said that they would ensure that the law enforcement agencies work relentlessly to bring justice to those who were behind the heinous act.
He described Atty. Alzate as a fearless lawyer who stands by her principles in her profession to achieve justice.
Moreover, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils expressed concern over the killing of Alzate, urging the Filipino authorities to make sure that suspects will be nabbed anytime soon and that there should be a safe environment for all lawyers.
In a separate statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) stated that the government should protect lawyers as they do their duties to ensure justice without any fear of threats or retaliation, particularly for those who continue to stand up for their rights.
The slain lawyer was a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and a commissioner of the Commission on Bar Discipline since 2015.
