Another human rights crusader shot dead in Sorsogon

SORSOGON CITY – Another human rights lawyer and a crusader against illegal drugs was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding suspects yesterday near the gate of the Hall of Justice here, the police reported.

Senior Superintendent Joel Regondola, Sorsogon police chief, identified the victim as lawyer Dennis Valencia, son of a retired judge in Sorsogon.

Although some quarters here believed that Valencia’s death was connected to his being a human rights lawyer, Regondola said that the victim’s crusade against illegal drugs in Sorsogon could have sparked the killing.

"Our initial investigation showed that Valencia could have been killed by members of a drug syndicate after he was suspected of reportedly giving information to the police regarding the illegal drugs trade," Regondola said.

He said Valencia suffered six gunshot wounds in the head and body after he was shot with a caliber 45 pistol by one of the suspects.

Valencia was the second lawyer shot dead in Sorsogon in less than two months.

The first victim was lawyer Gil Gujol, shot to death in Gubat, Sorsogon on Dec. 6, shortly after he attended a court hearing in this city.

Residents here have expressed fears over the spate of killings in Sorsogon that have victimized militant activists, Bayan Muna members, military informers and human rights lawyers. — Cet Dematera