Hundreds of lawyers in Mindanao condemned yesterday the killing of former National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 10 legal department head Niruh Kyle Antatico in Barangay Patag here on Friday.
Antatico was known for his advocacy against corruption, including within the NIA.
In a statement, the Portia Sorority of Mindanao, composed of law students and lawyers from Liceo de Cagayan University, Xavier University and Bukidnon State University, expressed outrage over the slaying.
‘He was a man of unwavering integrity, courage and principle, someone who lived a life anchored on the pursuit of truth and justice,’ the group said in a joint statement.
‘His advocacy for farmers and the marginalized reflected his deep compassion and enduring belief in the power of justice to transform lives,’ the groups added.
Earlier, the Fraternitas Scintilla Legis denounced the killing of Antatico, their fraternity brother, by two unidentified men on a motorcycle.
Cagayan de Oro Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Lordan Suan, aside from condemning the murder, condoled with Antatico’s family and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting Philippine National Police chief, ordered an ‘extensive investigation’ and a manhunt for the assailants.