MANILA, Philippines — No journalist must feel threatened as they are doing their duties, Senator Grace Poe said on Tuesday after the killing of a radio commentator.
Poe sympathized with the family of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more known as Percy Lapid, who died in an ambush in Las Piñas City.
“We commiserate with the family of broadcaster Percy Lapid and join calls for justice. Authorities should look into all angles possibly linked to his death, including his strong stance on issues.
“No member of the press must feel curtailed and threatened as they do their job. The killings must be addressed as doing so would usher in greater safety and security of all citizens,” the senator said in a statement.
Poe’s colleagues in the Senate, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Robin Padilla, have condemned Lapid’s killing.
The Philippine National Police has committed to bringing justice to the hard-hitting broadcaster’s death.
Lapid is the second journalist who had been killed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.