NUPL condemns the killing of Atty. Junisa Kimamao and the attempted assassination of Atty. Ibrahim Pendatu

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) strongly condemns the brutal attack on our professional colleagues, Atty. Junisa D. Kimamao and Atty. Ibrahim D. Pendatu, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. The assault resulted in the tragic death of Atty. Kimamao and left Atty. Pendatu critically wounded.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Atty. Kimamao and Atty. Pendatu were ambushed by two gunmen on a motorcycle while traveling in Barangay Awang. Atty. Kimamao, a 27-year-old certified public accountant and lawyer, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Atty. Pendatu remains in critical condition. The couple was engaged and planned to wed in April.

This attack is part of an alarming and worsening pattern of violence against lawyers, particularly in Mindanao. The recent assassination attempt on Atty. Omar Samama, Vice Mayor of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur, further underscores the increasing danger faced by members of the legal profession.

We stand in solidarity with the legal community and the families of Atty. Kimamao and Atty. Pendatu in these difficult times. We call for an independent and transparent investigation into the attack to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and prosecuted. The government must also fulfill its duty under the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers to guarantee that lawyers can perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, or violence.

Failure to act decisively will not only perpetuate impunity but also undermine public confidence in the justice system and further imperil the independence of the legal profession and access to justice. #

Reference:

Atty. Josalee S. Deinla
NUPL Secretary General
+639174316396