“Hindi katanggap-tanggap ug usa ka insulto sa demokrasya”..
This was how Atty. Allan Panolong, national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), described the gunfire incident inside the Senate on Wednesday night.
Panolong expressed concern that, despite the presence of CCTV cameras in the area, authorities have yet to identify who was responsible.
He emphasized that the incident should not be dismissed, as violence has no place in a civilized society especially within a vital and respected institution like the Senate.
He further stressed that the attack was not only directed at the Senate but also against democracy itself and the entire Filipino community.
In response, the IBP has called on law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation, identify the perpetrators, and file appropriate charges.
Panolong underscored that accountability is crucial to prevent similar incidents from happening again inside government institutions.
