MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court condemned the killing of Joshua Lavega Abrina, a Palawan-based lawyer who was shot dead outside his residence on Sept. 17, 2025.
Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen described the attack as a “grave matter that strikes at the very core of justice and the rule of law,” stressing that violence against members of the legal profession “must never be taken lightly.” Leonen extended condolences to Abrina’s family, colleagues, and friends, while noting that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has begun coordinating with law enforcement agencies to pursue the perpetrators.
The acting Chief Justice said he has ordered the Chief Marshal and Deputy Marshal for Luzon to coordinate with investigators and provide the Court with updates on the case. He also instructed the Court Administrator to direct Executive Judges of first- and second-level courts to hold dialogues and focus group discussions with IBP chapters and lawyers’ groups within their jurisdictions to assess security concerns.
The findings will be submitted to the Supreme Court’s committees on Human Rights, Access to Justice, and Oversight of the IBP for immediate action.
Abrina’s killing adds to a series of violent attacks against lawyers in recent years, raising concerns among the judiciary and the legal community over the safety of legal practitioners across the country.
