By Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday strongly denounced the killing of former DepEd Palawan legal officer Joshua Lavega Abrina, who was shot dead inside his home in Puerto Princesa City on Wednesday night.
In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara condemned the “senseless violence” that caused grief not only to Abrina’s family and colleagues but also to the education community.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of violence against a member of our institution and the legal profession,” he said, stressing Abrina’s integrity and service in upholding learners’ rights.
Angara also urged law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigation and ensure swift justice for the lawyer.
“We appeal to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to lend their full support and expertise to ensure the swift delivery of justice.”
The DepEd chief likewise expressed his sympathies to Abrina’s bereaved family.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)–Palawan Chapter also issued a statement, condemning what it called the “growing culture of impunity” targeting lawyers.
“We will not rest. We will not be silent,” the group declared, vowing to exhaust all legal means to seek justice.
Local officials in Puerto Princesa pledged PHP150,000 in rewards for information leading to the suspects’ arrest.
In a separate social media post, Puerto Princesa City Councilor Elgin Robert Damasco said Abrina was among those who fought against the alleged “item for sale” scheme in DepEd Palawan – an illegal practice where teaching positions, promotions, or transfers are allegedly sold to applicants in exchange for money, rather than being awarded based on merit.
“Sa mga biktima ng ITEM FOR SALE sa DepEd Palawan, huwag kayo matakot. Ituloy ninyo ang laban. Huwag natin hayaan masayang ang nasimulang laban at pakikipaglaban ni Atty. Josh (To the victims of ‘item for sale’ in DepEd Palawan, do not be afraid. Continue the fight. Let us not allow the fight and struggle of Atty. Josh to go to waste),” he said.
Abrina left DepEd Palawan in July and later joined the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). (PNA)
