The Integrated Bar of the Philippines expresses its deep concern over the shooting of Atty. John Yland “JY” De Ocampo in Makati City on 23 July 2026.
We stand with Atty. De Ocampo, his family, and the legal community, and we pray for his swift recovery.
While the motive remains under investigation, our principle is clear:
Violence has no place in a society governed by law.
An attack on a lawyer is an attack on justice itself.
This latest incident significantly heightens the urgency surrounding the commitments of stakeholders, participants, and government institutions during the IBP Lawyer’s Security Summit 2026 held last July 10, 2026.
At the Summit, there was a clear call for enhanced coordination among all involved parties to ensure a unified response to security challenges. Participants emphasized the critical need for the collection and dissemination of reliable, up-to-date data on potential threats and recorded attacks, as this information forms the foundation for informed decision-making and risk assessment.
The participants have also discussed the importance of developing and implementing protection protocols that has an immediate response to safeguard individuals.
Additionally, there was a strong consensus on the necessity for prompt and decisive institutional action, ensuring that responses to security incidents are both effective and timely.
In light of this recent incident, it is proven that threats to legal professionals have not dissipated, this calls for the immediate actions discussed at the Summit must be fulfilled.
We urge our law enforcement partners to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation and to bring those responsible to justice.
No lawyer should serve in fear.
No attack should go unanswered.
Unity in Safety
United for Justice
https://ibp.ph/public-resources/uhyz28fpy0d7nh5
The Philippines: Statement on the Shooting of Atty. John Yland “JY” De Ocampo
