In Memoriam
December 12, 2006Today, Gil Gojol, a brother in the profession, died as he was on his way home from a hearing. He was passing by a lonely road, near a military detachment in Gubat, Sorsogon when his van was waved over by a man on a motorcycle. Gil’s driver stopped, rolled down the window and he was shot in the head by the gunman. Gil, who was on the passenger’s side, tried to run but he was shot down too. When Gil fell, the gunman went over to him and shot him again. Gil is known as a human rights advocate in Sorsogon. There are several speculations on why he would be shot down. But the popular theory is that he was killed because several of his clients are left leaning. It was strange that the gunman would have such overconfidence that he would do the deed just a few meters from a military detachment.
He was a self-made man. By hard work and perseverance, he rose from being a fisherman to a lawyer. But he never forgot his roots. He was down-to-earth, friendly, trusting, and kind. When we were new in the profession, he was one of the few who did not show us any condescension. When we were groping about on how to do things properly, he was there to show us the way. He was generous with his knowledge. When a situation becomes tense when a drunklawyer is becoming abusive, Gil would always ease off the tension with a joke and a giggle. He was a highlight of any gathering. The profession lost a good man in him.
To Gil, many thanks. I think there is a place for you waiting in heaven.
