Davao Occidental prosecutor slain in gun attack

MANILA, Philippines — A prosecutor was gunned down in Digos City, Davao del Sur on Monday.

Eleanor dela Peña, 54, who was assigned in Malita, Davao Occidental, was driving home in her Ford Ranger Raptor when she was shot at 5:20 p.m.

Peña suffered gunshots to the head and died at the scene.

The suspected gunman, Arnel dela Peña, said to be a half-brother of the victim, fled on a motorcycle, but was arrested at 9:40 p.m., also on Monday.

Police said a 12-gauge shotgun, an M16 rifle, bullets, two mobile phones and a black helmet were among the items recovered from the suspect.

Probers are eyeing a land dispute as the motive for the killing.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel probe into the incident.

Remulla vowed justice for the fatality, who served as assistant provincial prosecutor in Davao Occidental.

“There should be no place in society for such barbaric acts, totally abhorrent and sinister, transgressing the most fundamental aspect of humanity and life,” Remulla said in a statement.

He asked the NBI to probe what he called a “merciless killing” and take action “to ensure the safety and security of those committed to upholding the rule of law and advancing justice in our land.”

“In the name of our beloved colleague in justice, we vow that justice will be delivered,” Remulla said. — Daphne Galvez