Peralta urges swift action on killing of Ilocos Sur judge

FILE: Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta shares a light moment with Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe and Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen prior to the resumption of the En Banc deliberations this morning at the En Banc Conference Room, Supreme Court New Building, Faura, Manila (Caption by Jay B. Rempillo, Photo by Francisco S. Gutierrez) (Photo: Supreme Court of the Philippines/Website)

MANILA — The country’s top judge on Wednesday called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in going after the perpetrators of the murder of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Regional Trial Court Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez.

“On behalf of the Judiciary, I strongly condemn the killing of Regional Trial Court Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. I call on the law enforcement agencies to exert their best efforts and be relentless in their investigation for the immediate apprehension of those responsible for this atrocious and dastardly act. I also extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Judge Bañez.” Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said in a statement.

Bañez, 54, was on his way home to San Fernando City, La Union in a Hyundai Accent sedan (with plate number ACL 1508) around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday when he was attacked by unidentified men at Barangay Mameltac, about five kilometers from the city.

The assailants left the scene onboard a blue motorcycle of still unidentified description.

The victim was rushed to Bethany Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing.