THE Supreme Court (SC) on Monday said the Office of the Judiciary Marshals (OJM) has joined law enforcement agencies in investigating the killing of a regional trial court judge in Basilan.
Judge Joseph M Wee Sit of Branch 2 of the RTC in Isabela City, Basilan, who was appointed to the judiciary only last year, was shot dead on Tumaga-Putik Road in barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, on Thursday by still unidentified gunmen.
In a statement, Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda said the Court joins Wee Sit’s family, loved ones and colleagues in mourning his death.
Zalameda also said that he has directed the Office of the Court Administrator, through the Regional Court Manager and Executive Judge, to extend the necessary financial and other assistance to the victim’s family.
Born on November 21, 1987, in Zamboanga City, Wee Sit studied law at Western Mindanao State University and was admitted to the Bar in 2015.
He served as a prosecutor and later as a public attorney before his appointment to the judiciary on September 23, 2025.
‘Fondly called ‘Anjo’ by his family and friends, Judge Wee Sit will be remembered not only for his dedication to justice and public service, but also for his warmth and kindness toward others,’ the SC said.
‘Though his time on the bench was brief, his commitment to serving the public and upholding the law will not be forgotten,’ it added.
Zalameda said the Office of the Judicial Marshal is now working closely with law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
He, however, begged off from providing further information on Wee Sit’s killing as the investigation is still ongoing and to ensure the safety of possible witnesses.
‘The killing of Judge Wee Sit is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve in our courts,’ the SC said.
‘No judge should have to fear for their life simply for doing their duty. When judges are threatened or attacked, it is not only their safety that is at stake, but also the ability of our courts to deliver justice freely and independently,’ it added.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday issued a statement condemning the killing of Wee Sit which it described as an attack not only on a judge but ‘on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.’
‘Violence against members of the Bench threatens the administration of justice and cannot be allowed to breed fear, intimidation, or impunity,’ the statement read.
It also called on law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation and bring all those responsible to justice.
The IBP also urged the government to strengthen security measures for judges and court personnel, particularly those serving in high-risk areas.