MANILA, Philippines — Radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, better known as Percy Lapid, was shot dead in Las Piñas City on Monday night, October 3, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

Mabasa was gunned down at around 8:30 pm on Monday night along Aria Street, Barangay Talon Dos, according to the police. The police added Mabasa was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle riding assailants. 

According to witnesses, the radio broadcaster was inside his vehicle when he was killed. Police said they recovered two pieces of empty shells from a gun with unknown caliber. 

“A Special Investigation Task Force was already created by Las Piñas City Station of NCRPO to spearhead and coordinate the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of the PNP,” the Philippine National Police said on Tuesday. 

Mabasa’s family also released a statement, condemning the killing of the media practitioner. Mabasa’s brother, Roy, is also a veteran journalist.

“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,” the family said.

His family called for justice: “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 be brought to justice.”

Killings continue

Mabasa was the second journalist to be killed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). Just weeks ago, radio broadcaster Rey Blanco was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental on September 18.

Based on the NUJP’s tally, Mabasa is the 197th journalist killed in the Philippines since 1986. Like Mabasa, most of media workers slain in the country were radio journalists – at least 99 were killed, based on the NUJP’s number. 

The NUJP condemned Mabasa’s killing, adding that his death proves that the Philippines remains a dangerous country for journalists. 

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“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,” the NUJP said.

Mabasa hosted his program “Lapid Fire” on DWBL 1242. His commentaries were highly critical of the the Marcos Jr. and Duterte administrations.

The last two videos uploaded on Mabasa’s Facebook page talked about Vic Rodriguez and the last two administrations. Mabasa also previously aired his commentaries on the dangers of red tagging, the issue of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, and even on Martial Law. – Rappler.com