“The IBP extends its condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Atty. Mahinay-Sapie and her husband, whom they have suddenly left behind during this terrible time, and will endeavor to provide the necessary aid and comfort to their family in their hour of need,” he added.
A closed-circuit television video has now circulated on social media showing a man and a woman — supposedly the couple — stepping out of their house and conversing with some visitors. A few moments later, the woman sank to her knees without anyone pointing a gun at her, leading some to believe a sniper shot her. The man then approached the woman, but he, too, was shot from a distance.While the IBP calls for a quick resolution of the case, it also urged the government to prevent such attacks and safeguard citizens, including lawyers and judges.
“As the IBP prepares to assist and coordinate with Atty. Gilda Mahinay-Sapie’s family, investigators, and law enforcement officials in investigating […] it nonetheless calls upon the government to protect its citizens from such brazen killings and to ensure that lawyers can do their jobs without fear of reprisal, attacks, and harassment,” Estrada noted.
“Amidst the apparent attacks on lawyers with impunity, we enjoin all Filipino lawyers to express their condemnation and indignation against the same by courageously upholding their sworn duty to provide justice for all,” he added.