IBP, NUPL condemn death threat vs rights lawyer

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Albay Chapter and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) have vehemently condemned a death threat against former radio announcer and human rights lawyer Bartolome “Bart” Rayco.

Rayco, a former broadcaster of DWBS Radio Veritas Legazpi who later studied law and passed the Bar examinations, is a well-known human rights advocate.

Rayco, the incumbent vice president and legal aid chairperson of the IBP-Albay Chapter, discovered two bullets left at the entrance of his residence.

The incident was discovered at around 6 a.m. on August 28, 2026, by staff members of Jollikod, a local eatery in Legazpi City owned by Rayco’s family.

The staff found two bullets at the entrance of Rayco’s residence. The bullets were attached to black ribbons, with one tied to a piece of stone wrapped in paper and plastic.

Written on the paper was the message intended for Rayco: “Atty. Bart Rayco MALAPIT KA NA!!” (Atty. Bart Rayco, your end is near!!!).

Witnesses reported seeing unidentified men on a motorcycle stop outside the premises at around 4 a.m.

The threat against the human rights lawyer was condemned by both the IBP-Albay and the NUPL.

The IBP-Albay immediately issued a statement expressing its apprehension and concern over the death threat against Rayco.

“The IBP Albay chapter is sounding the alarm over the threat of violence sent to Atty. Bartolome ‘Bart’ Rayco, the vice president and Legal Aid chairperson of the chapter. We strongly condemn this threat as a direct challenge to lawful authorities. While it is directed at Atty. Rayco personally, the threat is ultimately aimed against all the members of the legal profession and the rule of law,” the statement said.

The IBP-Albay urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol to fulfill their commitment made during the October 17, 2025 dialogue on the Security Risks and Safety of the Bench and the Bar to protect lawyers and judges.

“We call on all the enforcement agencies of the government, especially the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional office and the Philippine National Police, Albay provincial and regional office, to deliver on the commitment they gave during the October 17, 2025 dialogue on the Security Risks and Safety of the Bench and the Bar to protect lawyers and judges. Necessarily, we also rely on the NBI and the PNP to thoroughly investigate the threat and uncover the criminals behind it,” the statement said.

The entire membership of the IBP-Albay Chapter stands together in seeking an end to threats, intimidation, and killings of lawyers and judges.

“The board of officers of the chapter is fully committed to actively assist and support Atty. Rayco as he confronts this uncalled-for threat to his life and safety,” the IBP-Albay said.

Similarly, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers issued a statement condemning the threat against Rayco.

“We condemn this blatant act of intimidation and unmistakable threat against Atty. Bart and his family. Atty. Bart is a dedicated people’s lawyer who has long championed the rights of activists, political prisoners, and marginalized communities throughout the Bicol Region,” the NUPL statement said.

“A former NUPL Vice-President for Luzon and an active officer of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Albay Chapter, he is a pillar of the local legal community. He served as chairperson of the ALECO Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders Organization (AMSSO), where he defended the interests of Albay electricity consumers. His advocacy includes helping lead legal aid initiatives across Albay,” the statement said.

According to the NUPL, no lawyer should face persecution for the clients they represent or the causes they advance.

The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers expressly mandate governments to ensure that legal professionals can perform their duties “without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference” under Principle 16.

Furthermore, the State is obligated to safeguard lawyers who are threatened for discharging their functions under Principle 17 and to refrain from identifying them with their clients’ causes under Principle 18.

An independent legal profession is the bedrock of human rights, due process, and meaningful access to justice, the NUPL said.

“We demand a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into this incident. The perpetrators and their instigators must be held fully accountable and effective protection must be guaranteed for Atty. Bart and his family. Hands off Atty. Bart Rayco! Stop the attacks against people’s lawyers!” the NUPL said.

The Philippine National Police provincial and regional commands, meanwhile, assured the public that the threat against the people’s lawyer is being thoroughly investigated.

Newly installed PNP Bicol Regional Director BGen. Randy Glenn G. Silvio said the police regional office is treating the reported threat against Rayco with the utmost seriousness and is committed to conducting a fair, intensive, exhaustive, and impartial investigation, the PNP Bicol said.

Upon receipt of the report, the concerned units of Police Regional Office 5 promptly initiated investigative protocols and coordination efforts, mobilizing personnel for an intensive probe into the incident.

The investigation stemmed from the discovery of two ammunition rounds and a threatening message left at the entrance of the family-owned establishment in Legazpi City, Albay.

“Police personnel are actively conducting an extensive gathering and securing of all available evidence, including statements from potential witnesses and a thorough review of footage from nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras,” Silvio said.

The recovered ammunition and the note are currently undergoing standard forensic and ballistic examinations, supplemented by cross-referencing with existing case files, in accordance with established legal procedures.

“PRO5 is closely coordinating with Atty. Rayco’s family and other appropriate government agencies to validate all information. Concurrently, the regional office is assessing and implementing necessary security measures to protect the lawyer and his family, which includes backtracking the lawyer’s recent movements and public engagements to identify any possible points of vulnerability,” Silvio said.

“The PNP guarantees that all leads will be meticulously evaluated and traced—with investigators actively backtracking the origin of the threat and the possible routes taken by the perpetrator(s) to establish a clear timeline. Those found responsible for this incident will be held fully accountable under the law,” he added.

Silvio reiterated the PNP’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security of every individual and assured the public that the case will receive the highest level of police attention and appropriate action.

Two bullets were left at the entrance of people’s lawyer Atty. Bartolome “Bart” Rayco’s residence. The bullets were attached to black ribbons, with one tied to a piece of stone wrapped in paper and plastic. Written on the paper was the message: “Atty. Bart Rayco MALAPIT KA NA!!” (Atty. Bart Rayco, your end is near!!!). Photo courtesy of Rayco’s family