Board Member Ryan Maminta has called on authorities to hasten the investigation into the assassination of lawyer Joshua Abrina, as the case marked its third month on December 17.
Maminta said it has been three months, but justice still seems elusive as police have yet to arrest a suspect in Abrina’s killing.
“Tatlong buwan na ang nakalipas ay mailap pa rin ang hustisya at hindi pa rin nahanap ang katarungan dahil hindi pa natin nakukuha yung mga gumawa, simula doon sa nag-isip hanggang doon sa talagang nagsagawa ng pagpatay kay Atty. Joshua Abrina,” he said in an interview with the media.
He noted that the case is controversial and that the family and friends are constantly monitoring developments, expecting that the case will be resolved at the soonest possible time.
Abrina was gunned down by a still unidentified assailant in his home in Barangay San Jose on September 17.
The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) immediately created Special Investigation Task Group Abrina after the incident to focus on resolving the case.
Maminta also said he expects law enforcement agencies, including the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the provincial government of Palawan, to exert more effort to finally resolve the case so Abrina’s family can attain justice.
Earlier this month, operatives of Puerto Princesa Police Station 2 arrested Allan Tucay after a search warrant was served on him for illegal possession of firearms. Police found and confiscated a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition, including six rounds of .45 caliber and 16 rounds of 5.56 caliber. Tucay was later identified as a person of interest in the Abrina slay case.
“Sa ikatlong buwan na ito ng kanyang kamatayan ay humihingi ng pagkakataon sa bawat isa na manawagan tayo, ipanawagan natin at higit sa lahat ay sambitin natin at humiling tayo ng mabilisang action mula sa PNP na igawad na yung nararapat na hustisya para kay Atty. Abrina kasi walang puwang sa pagkakataon ng buhay natin ngayon bilang tao na umiral yung maling gawa at kasalanang yan na pagpatay sa isang nagta-trabaho lang, pamilyado, batang-batang abogado dito sa lalawigan ng Palawan,” he explained.
“Maliban sa pagkondena natin nitong nakaraang mga buwan ay ngayon, panawagan natin ang hustisya at sa panawagan natin ng hustisya, sana hipuin ng Panginoon yung puso ng mga gumawa nito at dumating sa punto na makonsensya sila dahil yung iniwang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay, ang pangako ng buhay ni Atty. Abrina ay kinitil,” he added.
