Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio condemned the killing of San Jose-Lagonoy Camarines Sur Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court Judge Ricky Begino Tuesday.
In a statement Wednesday, Carpio asked the authorities to expedite the investigation and arrest of those responsible for the killing and bring justice to Begino.
Authorities have reportedly arrested a suspect in the killing, 72-year-old Wilfredo Armea, of Presentacion town, Camarines Sur. Investigators said a land dispute was the possible motive for the killing.
Police said the judge was shot once and was hit in the neck Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to the hospital but died Tuesday evening.
Last year, two judges were killed—retired Surigao City regional trial court judge Victor Canoy and Butuan City RTC Judge Godofredo Abul Jr.
Ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno also expressed her sadness at the murder of another judge and her friend.