National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) officials have demanded an impartial investigation into a recent death threat against Bicol region lawyer Bartolome “Bart” Rayco, citing a blatant act of intimidation. The incident occurred when Rayco received two bullets delivered to his family’s Legazpi City eatery early Friday morning.
Threat details and witness accounts
The package was left at the entrance of the establishment. Inside, two bullets were found wrapped in black ribbons, with one attached to a stone covered in paper and plastic. A note on the paper read “Atty. Bart Rayco MALAPIT KA NA!!,” a phrase translating to that he is “almost there.” A witness reported seeing unidentified men on a motorcycle stop outside the eatery around 4 a.m., shortly before the package was discovered.
The NUPL described the act as a direct attempt to silence a lawyer who has represented marginalized communities and activists for years. Rayco previously served as the union’s Vice-President for Luzon and currently holds an active post with the Albay Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Demands for accountability and safety
The organization emphasized that legal professionals must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence. It referenced the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which require governments to protect legal professionals from improper interference. The group is now calling for the swift identification of hush money case perpetrators and their instigators, insisting that accountability is necessary to ensure the safety of Rayco and his family.
Ensuring the physical safety of lawyers is a foundational requirement for any functioning legal system. If the rule of law is to remain effective, the state must actively protect those who enforce it, rather than leaving them exposed to the threats that often accompany high-profile advocacy. This incident serves as a stark reminder that the independence of the legal profession is often tested by those who wish to undermine it, making the government’s response a critical indicator of its commitment to justice.
They are seeking protection.
The NUPL’s demand for accountability highlights the need for governments to take concrete steps to safeguard the well-being of legal professionals. By doing so, they can ensure that lawyers like Rayco can continue to represent marginalized communities without fear of reprisal. The organization’s efforts to bring attention to this issue demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of those who defend them.
