Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 11) — Judge Ma. Teresa Abadilla of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 45 was fatally shot inside her office in Manila on Wednesday.
Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta offered his sincerest condolences to the family of Abadilla on Wednesday, saying that he personally knew the judge as she was a former law clerk in the Supreme Court for more than a decade.
Witnesses said Rebato was uneasy and suddenly drew a firearm from his clutch bag and shot Abadilla in the head.
Court staff and the police rushed Abadilla to the hospital.
“The passing of Judge Abadilla is indeed a big loss to the judiciary because I personally know her to be an upright and highly competent magistrate,” Peralta said in a statement.
Police identified the suspect as Amador Rebato, RTC Branch 45 court clerk.
Major Rosalino Ibay Jr., Manila Police District–Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief, said Abadilla was dead on arrival at 3:15 p.m. at the Manila Medical Center.
Police said they are still determining Rebato’s motive.
Police said the suspect shot himself.
According to the police report, Rebato and his sister Maria Karen, went to Abadilla’s office to explain his frequent absences after he was infected with COVID-19. Rebato was about to tender his resignation.
