THE Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) and the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG)-Southern Mindanao strongly condemned the brutal murder of Davao Occidental Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Eleanor ‘Ning’ P. Dela Peña in Digos City on Monday.
“Her senseless killing is an affront to the entire legal community and a brazen desecration of the fundamental principles of justice she upheld,” Antonio Azarcon, UPLM chairman said.
The legal community extends its deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends. The groups urge the Marcos Jr. administration to take decisive action to end these violent acts and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“This brutal act underscores the persistent state of impunity plaguing our country, where lawyers, judges, prosecutors, activists, human rights defenders, and even ordinary citizens fall victim to such violence,” Manuel Quibod, FLAG Southern Mindanao coordinator.
Prosecutor Dela Peña, known for her dedication to public service and commitment to justice, was ambushed by a motorcycle-riding assassin around 5:00 pm on June 10, 2024, while on her way home.
Before her government service, she served as president of the IBP-Davao City Chapter and Assistant Dean at Rizal Memorial Colleges School of Law in Davao City. She was also a devoted mother to four children.
Her senseless killing is a severe blow to the legal community and an attack on the principles of justice she upheld. This heinous act highlights the rampant impunity in the country, where legal professionals and citizens alike are victims of violence.
