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.

According to reports, Atty. Abrina had resigned from his post as legal officer of the Department of Education in Palawan after refusing to be complicit in the “item-for-sale” scandal in the provincial office. At the time of his death, he was serving as officer-in-charge of the Administrative Division of the Philippine Port Authority’s Port Management Office in Palawan.

Atty. Abrina’s killing is part of a continuing pattern of violence against lawyers in this country. Over the years, members of the legal profession have been harassed, threatened, and slain for carrying out their sworn duties. These attacks deepen the chilling effect on the profession and corrode the independence of the bar.

We call on all relevant agencies to conduct an immediate, thorough, and credible investigation into Atty. Abrina’s murder, and to prosecute both the perpetrators and those who may have ordered the crime. His case must not be allowed to join the long roll of killings — eight so far under President Marcos Jr.’s administration — that remain unresolved. Every failure to deliver justice reinforces impunity and weakens the legal profession’s ability to stand independent and fearless.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Atty. Abrina. #

Reference:
Atty. Josalee S. Deinla
NUPL Secretary General
+639174316396