LOOK: Groups decry Percy Lapid killing
MANILA, Philippines — Groups have staged an indignation rally along Timog Avenue in Quezon City to denounce the killing of veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, who was more popularly known as Percy Lapid.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines organized and led Tuesday night’s demonstration, which was also attended by members of the Kabataan Party-list, including Rep. Raoul Manuel; College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), which is an alliance of different campus publications; AlterMidya; Pinoy Media Center, Hustisya, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and more.
The groups reiterated their call for justice for Lapid’s death and for other slain journalists and members of the media.
“We call on all campus journalists, media practitioners, and press freedom advocates to condemn all attacks against the watchdogs of society and the Filipino people,” the CEGP said in a statement issued previously.
READ: ‘Speaking the truth is dangerous’ in PH: Percy Lapid killing sparks condemnation
Article continues after this advertisementThe student council of UP Diliman also echoed the groups’ demand, even urging the public to join calls to defend press freedom and end impunity in the country.
Article continues after this advertisement“We must collectively seek justice for Percy Lapid and to all journalists who are victims of impunity! We must strengthen our campaign to defend press freedom and end impunity,” the UP student council said in a Facebook post.
Lapid, who was was a staunch critic of the Duterte and Marcos administrations, died in a fatal ambush in Las Piñas City on Monday night. Police said a motorcycle-riding suspect gunned him down at the gate of a subdivision along Aria St. in Talon Dos. Police also said that another suspect, an alleged accomplice, onboard a Toyota Fortuner bumped the rear portion of the victim’s Toyota Innova before the shooting happened.
Lapid’s family said in a statement Tuesday: “We demand that his cowardly assassins be brought to justice.”