In light of the recent murder of Atty. Rafael Atutubo, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, assured lawyers in the city were safe, noting, law enforcement would provide them with protection.

In a press conference called by Ebreo late Thursday, he said, “It cannot be avoided that, in any type of profession, there will always be someone who will be angered by it.”

Following Atutubo’s death, Ebreo said they are expecting a majority of lawyers to be concerned over personal security and police are expecting some may request assistance.

Last Thursday, Atutubo was gunned down while having breakfast in front of his house at Galo-Hilado Streets in Barangay 20, Bacolod City.

Atutubo was declared dead on arrival after he was struck in the left eye.

Police have yet to issue any comment on a possible motive into his murder; however, former Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Jose Max Ortiz, a close friend of the victim, confirmed Atutubo was handling several drug-related cases and even asked him to acquire a bodyguard.

He added, Atutubo was also active against corruption within the judiciary and the police force./DGB, WDJ