BALANGA CITY, Philippines – Seven days after the mysterious disappearance of a prominent lawyer here, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bataan chapter, along with local officials and Methodist Church laymen, were still at a loss yesterday on their colleague’s safety.
Dante Ilaya, former president of the IBP-Bataan chapter and a human rights lawyer, told The STAR that they passed a resolution the other day expressing their concern about the well-being of lawyer Joe Frank Zuñiga and appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts.
Ilaya said the IBP is closely coordinating with Zuñiga’s family and is willing to contribute if ever there is a plan to raise reward money for his safe release.
Pastor Luis Cruz of Hermosa (Bataan) Methodist Church, said “We are worried about the fate of lawyer Zuñiga who has devoted his life for the service of his fellowmen and we trust God that no harm may happen to (him).”
Zuñiga failed to report to his law office on the afternoon of June 20. The following day, an Aeta found his Honda Civic abandoned near a dike, about a kilometer away from the national road in Barangay Carael, Botolan, Zambales.
For his part, Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr. said, “We will be keeping in touch with his wife, Chat, for whatever assistance that may be needed. In the meantime we ask everyone to join us in praying for his safe return.”
The provincial board is readying a resolution allocating funds for any reward for Zuñiga’s safe release.
Zuñiga’s younger brother Marlo said the missing lawyer has received death threats since last year. – With Ric Sapnu