PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur: A group of Muslim magistrates has strongly condemned the fatal ambush of a Basilan judge on Thursday (Nov 12), calling the attack a direct assault on judicial independence and the rule of law.
In an official statement, the Philippine Muslim Judges Association (PMJA) expressed its profound sorrow over the killing of Judge Joseph Wee Sit, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2 in Isabela City, Basilan.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this heinous act of violence against a member of the Judiciary,” the PMJA said.
“An attack against a judge is an affront to judicial independence, the rule of law, and the administration of justice,” it noted.
The group extended its heartfelt condolences to the slain magistrate’s wife, Judge Kal Kausar Kadil-Wee Sit, presiding judge of the 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Bongao–Languyan in Tawi-Tawi, as well as to their bereaved family.
“May Allah grant Judge Kal Kausar and her family patience, strength and comfort during this painful time,” the statement read.
Wee Sit, 38, was driving along Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City at around 5.25am on Thursday, when two motorcycle-riding gunmen pulled up beside his vehicle and opened fire.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead an hour later. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
