Manila RTC judge shot by clerk inside chamber

Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 Judge Ma Theresa Abadilla was shot by her clerk of the court inside her chamber at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday, November 11.

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as lawyer Amador Rebato, the victim’s court clerk.

The 44-year-old Manila RTC judge was still being revived as of this writing, according to the MPD. She was rushed to the Manila Medical Center.

The suspect’s motives were still unclear. The shooting incident happened around 2:45 pm on Wednesday.

“It appears that on said date and time, said the victim and suspect while inside the office of the said Judge Samonte (Abadilla), witness heard a gunshot,” said a initial report by the MPD.
Abadilla was pronounced dead-on-arrival at 3:15 p.m. at the Medical Center Manila, according to the MPD.
The Manila RTC judge suffered gunshot wounds in the head, MPD Homicide Division chief Capt. Henry Navarro said in an interview on TeleRadyo.
The shooting happened at about 2:45 p.m. inside Manila RTC Branch 45 on the 5th floor of the Manila City Hall.
The gunman, Atty. Amador Rebato, 42, shot and killed himself after firing the Abadilla.

Manila RTC judge shot by clerk inside chamber

Navarro said Rebato was filing his resignation letter to Abadilla before the shooting incident happened. He arrived there with his sister.

Rebato acquired COVID-19 in August and suffered depression after his recovery, which later affected his work performance, said Navarro.

“Naapektuhan po noon ang kanyang trabaho… Yun din po ang naging sanhi na minsan ay kino-caution siya noong judge [dahil nagkakaroon sila] ng pending na mga dokumento,” Navarro said.

A report by retired Lt. Col. Arsenio Riparip, chief of the Manila City Security Force, to Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said that before the shooting incident, “Rebato was seen feeling uneasy and shuddering while being questioned by Judge Abadilla.”

Navarro said the witness was shocked when Rebato pulled out his gun and shot the Abadilla in her head.

“Nagulat na lang po ang witness natin na mismo sa opisina ng pinangyarihan ng krimen na bumunot ng baril si Atty. Rebato. Napansin niya rin na bago bumunot ay aligaga na po at di mapakali na nanginginig ang kanyang kamay,” he said.

“Hindi na po siya nanutok ng ibang tao o nanghabol. Wala na po siyang dinamay kundi ang sarili niya lang po.”