The investigation into the killing of lawyer Atty. Joshua Lavega Abrina is intensifying as police formed a special task group to handle the case, while officials and colleagues raised a ₱250,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.
Abrina was gunned down on the night of September 17 outside his home in Puerto Princesa City by an unidentified assailant.
He sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest from a caliber 5.56 firearm and was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
SITG Abrina formed
The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) announced the creation of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Abrina on September 18.
The group will lead the investigation, with support from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other law enforcement units.
“Ang buong PPCPO ay kasama na sila sa investigation and other law enforcement unit dito sa ating area of responsibility (AOR). Lahat ay magtutulong-tulong na at mas lalawak ‘yung investigation capabilities natin. And hopefully, mapabilis natin ‘yung result dito,” said P/Lt. Col. Aristotle Castillo, PPCPO deputy director for operations.
He said they will not set a timeline for the case, stressing that what matters is filing the charges properly against the right suspect.
The city police deputy director for operations explained that rushing the process just to say the case is solved would be meaningless if procedures are not followed.
“Ayaw naman nating i-marathon just because gusto lang natin ma-solve ang kaso, ay ‘yun na lang ang pa-filan natin. May proseso and kahit na siya mismo ang suspek, kung hindi natin nasusunod ang proseso, useless,” he said during a press conference on Thursday.
“Rest assured na professional ang members ng SITG at we will deal with it professionally. Titingnan natin lahat ‘yan. Lahat ng anggulo, possible motive dito sa kaso ay titingnan natin,” he asserted.
City Police Station 2 commander P/Cpt. Alan Delos Santos said they are now conducting “backtracking” by collecting possible CCTV footage from the area.
“Ang ginagawa ng kapulisan ngayon ay nagba-backtracking kami. Titingnan namin lahat ng CCTV doon sa area kung may taong andun na before nangyari ‘yun sa area,” Delos Santos said.
Police are also looking into all possible motives, not just the “item-for-sale” controversy Abrina had been linked to as legal officer of Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office in Palawan.
Castillo added that security will be provided to Abrina’s family.
“Lahat ng pwede naming i-provide sa pamilya na security ay definitely, bibigyan natin ng security ang pamilya,” he assured.
Reward fund for justice
Local officials and institutions have pledged a total of ₱250,000 for anyone who can provide crucial information.
Councilors Elgin Damasco and Epitacio “Jie” Lao Jr., and Palawan 2nd District Board Member Ryan Maminta each committed ₱50,000, while the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Palawan Chapter added ₱100,000.
“Yes, 50k sa akin, 50k kay Konsehal Jie Lao, at 50k din kay BM Maminta,” Damasco confirmed.
Castillo earlier said that the task group will examine the prize proposal, adding that while its offering was too soon, the idea was worthwhile.
“Tingnan muna natin kung ano ang magiging inisyal na pag-uusap namin through SITG but magandang suggestion ‘yan, magandang ma-consider ‘yun,” he said.
DepEd tributes and condemnation
Abrina served as legal officer of DepEd Palawan from 2020 until July 2025 before transferring to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
In a statement, OIC Schools Division Superintendent Nicolas Capulong highlighted Abrina’s contributions.
“Atty. Abrina dedicated his time and expertise to DepEd Palawan, leaving behind a legacy of service marked by his work in the titling public school sites, the strengthening of the Division’s legal systems, and the protection of learners’ rights and welfare. His unwavering commitment and genuine concern for education and justice will always be remembered with gratitude,” DepEd Palawan stated.
“As we honor his memory, DepEd Palawan reaffirms its commitment to the safety and security of all personnel in the performance of their duties,” the statement added.
The Central Office and Secretary Sonny Angara likewise issued a message of sympathy.
“We honor his service, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to protecting learners’ rights and strengthening the Department’s legal foundations,” the statement read.
DepEd condemned the killing as a “senseless act of violence” and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Strong condemnation from officials
Board Member Maminta called Abrina’s murder an attack on justice.
He credited Abrina with exposing the “items-for-sale” scheme in DepEd Palawan.
“Mariin at sa pinakamataas na antas kong kinokondena ang walang awang pagpaslang kay Atty. Joshua Lavega Abrina – isang kaibigan, mapagmahal na asawa at ama, mahusay na mamamayan at matapang na tagapagtaguyod ng malinis at matapat na paglilingkod sa bayan,” he said.
“Si Atty. Josh ay naging malaki ang bahagi sa pagsisiwalat ng katiwaliang ‘items for sale’ sa DepEd Palawan. Dahil sa kanyang tapang at kooperasyon, nagkaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na magawan ng aksyon ang maling sistemang matagal nang sumisira sa tiwala ng taumbayan. Ang kanyang pagpanaw ay hindi katahimikan, kundi panawagan para ipagpatuloy at palakasin pa ang ating laban kontra katiwalian,” Maminta added.
He also confirmed adding ₱50,000 to the reward pool and urged national and local leaders to act.
Colleagues remember
Tributes also poured in from colleagues. Grace Estefano recalled Abrina’s generosity when her child was hospitalized.
“I will always be grateful not only for his passion and dedication to our work, but also for his generosity when my youngest was hospitalized: kusang loob at taos sa puso. His legacy and kindness will live on. Rest in peace, Atty. Josh,” she said.
Former DepEd Palawan official Roger Capa described him as a loyal friend.
“He was everyone’s friend, with a good heart, a positive spirit at work, and always fair to all. Too good, too kind, gone too soon. My deepest condolences to his family. Justice for Atty. Josh!” he wrote.
National outrage
The killing drew condemnation from the Supreme Court and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).
“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. The killing of a member of the legal profession is a grave matter that strikes at the very core of justice and the rule of law. It must never be taken lightly,” Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen said.
NUPL, for its part, linked the attack to a broader pattern. It said Abrina’s killing is part of a continuing pattern of violence against lawyers in the country.
Over the years, the NUPL said members of the legal profession have been harassed, threatened, and slain for carrying out their sworn duties
“These attacks deepen the chilling effect on the profession and corrode the independence of the bar,” the group said.
Police reports said Abrina had just returned from a church prayer meeting with his family when he was attacked while unloading their belongings.
He is the eighth lawyer to be killed since 2022 under the Marcos Jr. administration.
