The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has condemned the ambush killing of Judge Joseph Wee Sit, a presiding judge at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2 in Isabela City, Basilan. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in Zamboanga City, where Judge Sit was shot while inside his vehicle on Tumaga Putik Road at approximately 5:25 a.m. IBP governor for Western Mindanao, Lawyer Quirino Esguerra Jr., emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and swiftly apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman expressed his outrage and sorrow over the judge's death, stating that the assassination of a judge not only takes a life but also challenges the justice system and the ability of courts to operate without fear. He called for immediate action from authorities to identify and capture the perpetrators, insisting that no judge should have to fear for their life while performing their duties. Hataman's comments reflect a broader concern regarding the safety of judicial officials in the region.S2

According to the Zamboanga City Police Office, the authorities responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of the shooting. Despite their efforts to rush Judge Sit to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. In response to the attack, the police have initiated a case conference and are forming a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to focus on resolving the crime. Investigators will examine cases that Judge Sit was handling, as part of their inquiry into potential motives behind the attack. The Zamboanga City Police Office has assured the public that they are treating this incident with the utmost urgency and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.S2