THE DEATH OF THE DAUNTLESS

Democracy has paved the way for journalists to express their sentiments regarding the status quo, including factual information probing into different facets of socio-political and economic issues that are significantly affecting the masses. Moreover, they are able to live as vanguards of truth as they expose the government’s incompetence and corrupt practices. Their obligation to provide the public with the truth encouraged them to paramount their duties as journalists above all else. However, with that too great of a responsibility, their safety tends to become compromised, especially in the face of a truth-fearing administration ready to shut down and disenfranchise those in the opposition

Despite the significant role of journalists, their credibility to serve the masses has always been put into question, especially in the recent administration. As reported by Conde, there have been 197 reported cases of journalists’ death since the restoration of democracy in the country, highlighting the prosecution of the profession and individuals involved. These cases concerning the press are growing on a larger scale across the country, threatening the safety of journalists. In line with this, the plight of Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, a broadcaster, and journalist, made headlines in the nation as the tragic incident is perceived as another attack to press freedom.

Lapid had always been an ardent government critic and his commentary program, Lapid Fire, revealed the abuses and irregularities of the government, specifically of the Duterte administration up to the present Marcos administration. His stinging comments, however, were not limited to his broadcast program. His active involvement in the mosquito press kept the fire burning for critics susceptible to violence and abuse mainly because of their professions.

The 30th of September served as his last broadcast, where he probed into the dangers of red-tagging before he faced his gruesome death after he had been ambushed on the night of the 3rd of October, 2022, in a subdivision at Las Pinas on his way home, as confessed by gunman Joel Escorial.

Despite the case being under probe, the Philippine National Police (PNP) claimed they solved his death as they had already identified the suspects. This ill-fated instance of Lapid is a paradigm that is one of the worst situations a journalist in the country can end up in. Moreover, several groups have condemned the assassination of Lapid and are calling for justice. His death in itself is already a grave attack on press freedom as they have attempted to muzzle the voices of journalists in exposing the greater truth that lies beyond the statements released. Media censorship and violence against journalists have prominently stood as threats to press freedom as they are restricting the free flow of providing the public their rightful access to information. These fearmongering tactics are being used to discredit journalists and their profession, narrowing down their audiences to water down the leverage they have over public opinion.

One death is far too many. Events like these should urge the public to underscore the value of promoting and fighting for press freedom and serve as a wake-up call to those who are straying away from politics and those unwilling to take a stand against the oppressive structures we see today.

As the people join in his family and friends in grieving, never will they let his case slide. Never will the people let his death get buried, along with hundreds of unspoken truths. His legacy should always be heard, along with the cries of those undaunted by the power suppressing their voices.

Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, your efforts will always be remembered as truthbearers brave through the spaces cluttered with immense quantities of disinformation, baseless rumors, and accusations against journalists. As this nation continuously fight against those taking away the rights to a free press, may it impart to people from you the message that one must never fear the deliverance of truth.