By US News Agency / Asian

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan condemned on Monday the killing of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Regional Trial Court, Branch 20 Judge Reynaldo Lacasandile while on his way to his work.

“We condemn this latest senseless act of violence. We urge authorities especially newly installed PNP chief Raul Bacalzo to act swiftly in making those guilty be held accountable the soonest possible,” Pangilinan said in a press statement.

Lacasandile was shot on Monday morning by unidentified men riding in tandem on a motorcycle while waiting for a bus ride in front of a vacant lot in Barangay Lacong, Tagudin in Ilocos Sur.

Pangilinan, a lawyer, challenged authorities to investigate and swiftly resolve such cases so as to restore people’s faith in the country’s justice system.

“It’s about time we put a stop to these senseless killings. Such anarchic acts cannot prosper in President Aquino’s administration. We are in a position to turn things around. We urge the PNP to investigate this matter and make examples of the perpetrators by swiftly bringing them to justice,” Pangilinan said.

The Philippine Judges Association (PJA) condemned “in the strongest possible term” what it described as “dastardly act”, calling for prompt action from the authorities.

The killing of Lacasandile took place six months after Cagayan RTC Judge Andres Cipriano was shot dead last May.

There are already 18 judges killed in the country since 1999.