The World Condemns the Killing of Filipino Broadcaster Percy Lapid
On October 3, Monday night, veteran radio commentator Percival Mabasa, whom most people know as Percy Lapid, was shot dead on his way home in Las Piñas City. Lapid was said to have received death threats before he was killed, according to his family. Since his untimely passing, calls for justice have been heard on social media, state officials, and various parts of the world.
Lapid, who recently tackled subjects like the dangers of red-tagging and state corruption allegations, was a fierce, highly respected journalist. The host of Percy Lapid Fire on DWBL 1242 and columnist for Hataw was a staunch critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., as well.
Germany ???????? fully supports this statement of @MediaFreedomC on the brutal killing of media personality #PercyLapid.
???????? remains committed to advocate for freedom of the press & of speech. Those responsible for this crime must be brought to justice. #germanyinphl https://t.co/8ClYfkrgl7— Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel (@germanyinphl) October 4, 2022ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
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His death sparked international condemnation and a show of support for media practitioners in the Philippines. Journalists and human rights defenders also gathered at the Boy Scout Circle in Quezon City on Tuesday, October 4, to condemn Lapid's killing.
According to reports from Las Piñas City Police, Lapid was shot by two assailants at the gate of a subdivision in Barangay Talon Dos. The attackers rode a motorcycle and a white Toyota Fortuner. Witnesses say Lapid was shot inside his vehicle.
The Embassy of ???????? in the ???????? expresses its solidarity with the family of Mr. Mabasa. It supports the declaration by the Media Freedom Coalition co-chairs. ???????? reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of journalists. https://t.co/kgxbI5V3wN
— France in the PH ???????????????? (@FrenchEmbassyPH) October 4, 2022CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch now
Statement by @CanEmbPH and @NLinPhilippines local co-chairs of @MediaFreedomC on the killing of broadcast commentator Percival Mabasa (aka #PercyLapid).
— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) October 4, 2022
We express our grave concern about the killing of broadcast commentator Mr. Percival Mabasa (a.k.a Percy Lapid) by (1/4) pic.twitter.com/LLC2VxpjUS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will investigate the matter, as well. A special investigation task force has been created to probe the case. The CHR, on the other hand, said that it has started its motu proprio investigation into the incident.
Malacañang, including the President, likewise expressed concern over Lapid's death. Palace officials say that they will be looking into the conduct of the investigation on the ambush. Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara said he would coordinate closely with the officers of the Southern Police District.
EUinthePhilippines???????????????????? supports statement issued by @CanEmbPH and @NLinPhilippines on the killing of Journalist Percival Mabasa ???? https://t.co/vRQU04qRif
— EUinthePhilippines???????????????? (@EUinthePH) October 4, 2022
On the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid: pic.twitter.com/G4dFz53sGS
— FOCAP (@FOCAP2020) October 4, 2022
Join us in condemning another murder of a journalist.
— NUJP (@nujp) October 4, 2022
Justice for Percy Lapid! pic.twitter.com/prytGWY2cO
PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. attended Lapid's wake on Wednesday, October 5. In a statement, Abalos himself announced that he would be offering a P500,000 reward for any information that would help solve the case.
The Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Lapid is the 197th journalist to be murdered since 1986. He is the first journalist killed in Metro Manila in recent years and the second under the Marcos administration, after the stabbing of Rey Blanco in Negros Oriental last September 18.
