Davao prosecutor shot dead, suspect arrested

A 54-year-old female prosecutor was shot dead while driving home on Monday in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Based on the initial investigation of the Digos City Police Station, the victim, identified as Eleanor Dela Peña, was onboard her pickup truck when the shooting incident happened. She sustained gunshot wounds on the head which resulted in her immediate death. 

The suspect, a 56-year-old man who was Dela Peña’s half brother, was already arrested by the Digos City Police, based on a Super Radyo dzBB report of John Ryan Calonia on Tuesday. 

The suspect was identified after the victim’s child made a statement based on the CCTV footage in the area. Recovered from him were 10 12-gauge shotgun shells, 27 5.56mm live rounds, one M16 rifle magazine, and a helmet and jacket that were allegedly used for the crime. 

The police are looking at land conflict as a possible motive for the killing. 

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla condemned the incident and vowed justice for Dela Pena.

He said the victim served as assistant provincial prosecutor at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Davao Occidental. 

“There should be no place in society for such barbaric acts, totally abhorrent and sinister, transgressing the most fundamental aspect of humanity and life,” Remulla said in a statement. 

The Justice chief said he already directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel investigation into the crime and to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of lawyers.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News