THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Misamis Oriental Chapter has condemned the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a Juris Doctor graduate and anti-corruption advocate, in Patag village, Cagayan de Oro on Friday.
The 40-year-old Antatico was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men which was reportedly captured on dashcam footage but authorities have yet to identify his assailants.
In a statement, the IBP chapter characterized the attack as an assault on democratic principles.
Antatico was a former legal officer for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Northern Mindanao who was known for exposing alleged irregularities within the agency.
‘The IBP Misamis Oriental Chapter expresses its grave concern over Mr. Antatico’s untimely death and the possibility that his murder may have been connected to his efforts to expose alleged wrongdoing in some government offices,’ the statement said.
‘Any attack on a person seeking accountability is an attack on the rule of law itself, and we cannot allow fear and impunity to erode the foundations of justice and public service,’ it added.
The lawyers’ group also urged authorities to immediately conduct an impartial investigation of the case and bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice.
‘Authorities must pursue every lead, including the potential connection between Mr. Antatico’s exposés and his killing, and ensure that both the perpetrators and any masterminds are held fully accountable, regardless of position or influence,’ the IBP said.
The IBP chapter also called on individuals who may have knowledge about irregularities in the government to come forward and seek assistance from its office.
‘Pursuant to the IBP’s mandate to promote the rule of law and uphold the public interest, the Chapter stands ready to assist in efforts to address governance-related concerns,’ the group stressed.