MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will look into the killing of Cebu lawyer Rex Jesus Mario Fernandez, who was inside his car when shot by a lone gunman on Thursday.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra issued Department Order 204 on Friday, ordering the NBI to investigate the slay.
The incident happened at about 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.
The driver of the 64-year-old Fernandez was injured while a backseat passenger was unhurt.
Fernandez’s family requested financial assistance, instead of sending flowers to the wake, for the hospitalization and medication of the driver.
“He is currently at 50/50 status. Undergoing spine surgery and liver/kidney surgery due to the gunshot wound he acquired. He is part of our family and has been a great caretaker sa akong (of my) dad,” the slain lawyer’s son, Rex Rubens, posted on Facebook.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, in a statement issued on Friday, said the killing of any lawyer is a serious concern.
“Violence solves nothing. It is anathema to the rule of law,” he said.
Last week, Fernandez staged a hunger strike to protest against the management of the condominium where he lives after his water supply was cut off despite a court injunction.
He refused to settle his condominium dues of PHP3,200 per month until he is provided a breakdown of the fees being collected.
Fernandez’s family said his death was “cruel, barbaric” and no one deserves to die that way.
“You no longer need to prove anything anymore. You already showed Cebu that if you fight for the oppressed, the voiceless, and the weak, they will try to shut you down. You’ve touched so many lives and listening to people’s stories about you being there for them in times of need made me realize how lucky we are to have a father like you,” Rex Rubens wrote.
