Lady judge shot dead as gunman shoots self
MANILA – A 44-year old Manila regional trial court (RTC) lady judge was shot dead at 2:45 P.M. today inside her office reportedly by her clerk of court.
Reports from the Manila Police District identified the victim as Judge Ma. Theresa Abadilla of the Manila RTC Judge Branch 45, daughter of the late Col. Rolando Abadilla, an officer of the Philippine Constabulary during the Martial Law years. The victim was said to have worked at the Supreme Court prior to her appointment to the bench.
The victim was rushed to Manila Medical Center along United Nations Avenue in Ermita District and was reported to have expired at 3:15 P.M. Media reports said the victim sustained gunshot wounds in the head.
The incident took place at 2:45 P.M. at the Fifth Floor of the Manila City Hall Building.
The report that was circulated in social media identified the alleged gunman as Atty. Amador Rebato, 42 years old who died after shooting himself inside Judge Abadilla’s chamber.
Media reports said Atty. Rebato was supposed to submit his resignation letter to Abadilla prior to the incident. It was reported the clerk of court arrived with his sister. Police operatives interviewed by media said Atty. Rebato contracted COVID-19 last August and suffered from depression after his recovery. His depression was said to have affected his work performance.
A witness was quoted by the police as saying there was no altercation between the 15-minute conversation.
Quoting retired Police Lt. Col. Arsenio M. Riparip’s report to Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Atty. Rebato “was seen feeling uneasy and shuddering while being questioned by Judge Abadilla.” The same report disclosed “without hesitation he shot her at point blank range to the head.”
“Apparently, the suspect committed suicide by shooting himself with his own service firearm (pistol) of unknown caliber,” the report added. The victim was rushed to Manila Medical Center on or about 3:05 P.M. (Melo M. Acuña)
Manila City Hall. (Photo from Manila City Government's Facebook Page)
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