Binay urges government to protect judges

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday called on the government to ensure the safety of judges following the killing of a municipal trial court judge in Laoang, Northern Samar on Sunday.

Judge Reynaldo Espinar, 53, was killed barely two weeks after the murder of Malolos Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 84 Presiding Judge Wilfredo Nieves.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of Judge Espinar. These blatant attacks on the judiciary are unacceptable and I urge the government to hasten the investigation of these cases to make sure that these crimes do not go unpunished,” Binay said.

“We need to ensure the safety of our judges and foster an environment where the rule of law prevails,” the former human rights lawyer said.

Espinar was shot dead inside a cockpit in Pambujan town Sunday afternoon. Espinar died at the scene from gunshots to the head and body, police said.

He was the fourth court official killed in the country this year.

The Supreme Court also condemned the murders, saying these threaten other judges and undermines the neutral environment for fair and evenhanded decision-making.

Also killed this year were Judge Erwin Alaba in Baler, Aurora and Shariah court interpreter Inohajar Puntukan in Jolo, Sulu.