Bersamin vows justice for Alzate

Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that law enforcement agencies would relentlessly work to solve the killing of lawyer Maria Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate in Abra.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement, condemned the "heinous act" by two still-unidentified men riding a motorcycle against Alzate while she was inside her parked car outside her house last 15 September.

"We join our brothers and sisters in the legal profession in condemning the killing of Attorney Alzate, who was mercilessly gunned down in front of her home," Bersamin said.

Alzate was taken to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Bersamin vowed that Alzate's killers would be brought to justice.

"We will ensure that our law enforcement agencies will work relentlessly to bring to justice those behind this heinous act," Bersamin said.

"Hot pursuit operations are already ongoing, and we call upon our citizens to remain vigilant," he added, as he urged the public to "remain vigilant."

Bersamin described Alzate as a "fearless and steadfast" lawyer, describing her death as a "tragedy."

"She worked tirelessly both as a public interest lawyer and as a commissioner of bar discipline. Her death is a tragedy as well for the good province of Abra and for the legal profession," he said.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines earlier described Alzate's death as a "huge loss to the organization" where she served as chapter president for Abra.

Abra Governor Dominic B. Valera condemned the killing of Alzate, calling for a "speedy and swift investigation and the immediate resolution" of the case.

"Let us bring these perpetrators to justice.

Let us make a strong stand against this violence that threatens our goal of a peace-loving Abra," the governor added.

 With Mar Supnad