The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) condemns the brutal murder of Atty. Joshua Lavega Abrina in Puerto Princesa City, who was gunned down outside his home on September 17, 2025.

Genuine adherence to IHL cannot be achieved by hollow speeches and summits, but the immediate cessation of attacks on protected persons, the dismantling of policies like NAP-UPD that institutionalize these abuses, and the prosecution of state forces and senior officials responsible for them

We call for a thorough, impartial, and credible inquiry into the attack on Cahayag. This must go beyond identifying the direct perpetrators and must examine the broader political architecture, including the chain of command and potential involvement of the state. Anything less would not only fall short of justice but would further legitimize the machinery of impunity.