Union of Peoples’ Lawyers Condemns Shooting in General Santos City
KORONADAL CITY – The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) strongly condemned the shooting incident that took place Monday evening in General Santos City involving one of its former paralegal members. The group expressed deep concern over the rising violence targeting their ranks.
Warren Cahayag, who lives in Lower Acharon, Barangay Calumpang, was standing in front of the family-owned Cahayag Consumer Goods store when two unidentified men on a motorcycle shot him five times around 7:30 p.m., according to local police officials. The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao called for urgent investigation into this alarming attack.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police reported that civilians quickly brought Cahayag to a nearby hospital where he remains under close medical observation. The suspects, riding a Yamaha motorcycle, fled the scene promptly, leaving authorities to launch a manhunt. Sources noted that Cahayag was one of the founding paralegal members of the UPLM since 2005.
The UPLM expressed grave concern over this latest incident, highlighting that two of their former paralegals in General Santos City have died from similar attacks. One of the victims was Jejohn “Ali” Macalintal, who was killed on June 23 earlier this year. These patterns suggest a disturbing trend of targeted violence against the group.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao urged Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III to direct a thorough investigation into these related attacks. They stressed the urgency of holding not only the gunmen but also the masterminds accountable.
“These systematic assaults aim to create a chilling effect–sowing fear, silencing dissent, and paralyzing the vital work of those who serve the marginalized. They are designed to leave defenders exposed and vulnerable, fostering a dangerous climate of impunity,” the group said, reflecting on the ongoing violence targeting activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders in the region and across the country.
Remembering Fallen Defenders
The UPLM also recalled the tragic deaths of other members, including Ali Macalintal, who was killed inside her spa in General Santos City, and their former lawyer Juan Macababbad, shot outside his home in Surallah, South Cotabato, in 2021. To date, Macababbad’s case remains unresolved, underscoring the persistent impunity surrounding these attacks.
Demanding Government Action
The group appealed to the administration of President Marcos Jr. to take decisive steps to stop the violence. They criticized the president’s failure to address ongoing human rights violations during his recent state of the nation address, calling it a betrayal of his commitment to human rights and justice.
Further, the UPLM urged General Torre, a native of South Cotabato, to establish a dedicated and credible special investigation task force. This unit should focus on these attacks to bring justice to victims’ families and restore public trust.
“The families of the victims and the public deserve no less than this. Stop the attacks! End impunity now,” the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao declared.
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