Conviction of lawyer's killer elates IBP Cebu City prexy

CEBU, Philippines - The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City chapter was elated by the conviction of the gunman in the killing of its member Atty. Richard William Sison four years ago.

IBP Cebu City president Earl Bonachita said they were happy that justice is finally served to the family of Sison following the conviction of Nemuel Sumabong.

“We are jubilant that justice is finally served upon the family of the murdered lawyer. May the case be a deterrent against criminals who are similarly minded and let it be a clear warning that the long arm of the law will eventually punish them,” Bonachita’s text message reads.

Sumabong, a former security guard, was found guilty in the murder of Sison on May 21, 2008 and was sentenced to suffer 20 to 40 years imprisonment. Sumabong, however, continue to plead innocence even after Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras handed down his decision last Tuesday.

But, Bonachita said, Sumabong’s plea of innocence is just a matter of defense that was already properly ventilated in court.

“It’s a defense that was addressed by the court which tried and heard the case. The court must have seen that the prosecution’s evidence established guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Nonetheless an appeal is available to him as a convicted accused,” Bonachita said.

In spite the conviction of the gunman, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supervising agent Rennan Oliva yesterday said the investigation is not yet over.

Oliva said they are doubling their efforts to identify the driver of the gate away motorcycle as well as the mastermind who remained at large.

Oliva admitted having information about the mastermind but could not pin him down for lack of evidence.

“We’re building it up, were working for somebody whom we believed the suspect,” he said.

Sumabong’s lawyer Wendell Quiban said they will file a motion for reconsideration on the verdict next week. —  (FREEMAN)