Broadcaster Percy Lapid gunned down

BY KJETIL JOSTH ACIELO

Radio Broadcaster Percival Mabasa, professionally known as Percy Lapid, was shot dead last October 3, in Las Piñas City, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police data revealed that the 63-year-old journalist was murdered at around 8:30 P.M. by unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants along Aria Street in Barangay Talon Dos.

Witnesses reported that Mabasa was inside his vehicle during the shooting. Police added that they recovered two pieces of empty shells from a gun with an unknown caliber.

“A Special Investigation Task Force by the Las Piñas City Station of the National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) will spearhead and coordinate the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of the PNP,” the PNP announced on October 4.

Host of “Lapid Fire” on DWBL 1242, Mabasa’s commentaries were highly critical of the Marcos Jr. and Duterte administrations. A former DWIZ station broadcaster, he had been receiving death threats in response to his commentaries before his death.

His final two videos on his Facebook page discussed Vic Rodriguez and the previous two administrations. Mabasa had previously aired his commentaries on the dangers of red tagging, fake news, the issue of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, and Martial Law on his program.

THE MURDERS CONTINUE

Mabasa is the second journalist to be slain under the Marcos Jr. administration. In a country that is the seventh worst nation for the unsolved killings of journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, he is the 197th journalist slain post-EDSA.

Mabasa’s family released a statement condemning his death following the murder.

“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,” Mabasa’s family said. “Percy is 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 social media. We demand that his cowardly assassins would be brought to justice,” they added.

The broadcaster’s murder sparked calls for justice from journalists, government officials, lawmakers, and various groups.

According to Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra, he would meet with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and the Southern Police District to ensure that the conduct of the investigation proceeds without problems and be reported within the next seven days.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) highlighted the roles of journalists in upholding democracy and demanding accountability in any society. In a statement, the CHR said that attacks on press freedom threaten the people’s right to the truth and information.

The agency notes that it has started its own motu proprio investigation into Mabasa’s murder. C

The SIM Card Registration Act, Republic Act No. 11934, which aims to mitigate fraudulent activities done through mobile phones, will be pushed through on December 27, says Senator Grace Poe, despite the unsettled privacy issues and whether it would actually be effective.

BY PAULETTE TORRICO