Journalists condemned the killing of veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, commonly known as Percy Lapid, a staunch critic of the Duterte and Marcos Jr. administrations.
Two assailants on board a motorcycle fired two shots at Lapid’s vehicle near the gate of a subdivision along Aria St., Barangay Talon Dos in Las Piñas City, reports said.
Lapid is the second journalist to be killed under the administration of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the National Union of the Journalists said.
Last September 18, radio broadcaster Rey Blanco was stabbed to death in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
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Before his death, in a broadcast on September 30, Lapid discussed the dangers of red-tagging, particularly the most recent harassment against Manila Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar.
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The broadcaster also commented on the security risks of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and the historical distortion of Martial Law.
Lapid’s family was deeply “saddened and angered by the brutal and brazen killing of a fearless broadcaster, father and husband, brother and friend, Percy Lapid.”
“We strongly condemn this deplorable crime; it was committed not only against Percy, his family, and his profession, but against our country, his beloved Philippines, and the truth,” Lapid’s family said in a statement.
“Percy was beloved by many and highly respected by peers, fans and foes alike. His bold and sharp commentaries cut through the barrage of fake news over the airwaves and on social media,” they added.
The family demanded that Lapid’s “cowardly assassins be brought to justice.”
Journalists statement
In a statement on Tuesday, October 4, NUJP said, “the killing shows that journalism remains a dangerous profession in the country.”
“That the incident took place in Metro Manila indicates how brazen the perpetrators were, and how authorities have failed to protect journalists as well as ordinary citizens from harm,” NUJP added.
NUJP, likewise, called on the public to condemn the killing of the journalist.
They also called on the Philippine National Police to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Former vice president Leni Robredo also lamented the death of Lapid.
“Nakikiramay ako sa lahat ng nagmamahal kay Percy Lapid. Malaking kawalan ang kaniyang boses, tapang, at pananaw sa panahong bumabangga tayo sa tahasang panlilinlang sa taumbayan,” she said.
Robredo also called for justice for the death of Lapid.
“Hindi dapat palampasin ang pagpaslang kay Ka Percy; dapat agad maihain ang hustisya sa pangyayaring ito—at sa marami pang insidente ng pagpatay sa ating mga journalists,” Robredo said.
“Sa isang lipunang tunay na malaya, dapat walang puwang sa karahasan at panggigipit sa ating mamamahayag” she added.