Percival Mabasa, who was popularly known as Percy Lapid, was killed in an ambush in Las Piñas on Monday night, October 3, 2022. Photo from his Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – A .45 caliber firearm was used to kill Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, Southern Police District Director, Col. Kirby John Kraft said on Thursday.
“Sinabmit na resulta po ng atin pong forensic unit na kung saan lumalabas po na kalibre kwarenta’y cinco na pistola ang ginamit na pagpatay sa ating biktima,” said kraft
(The forensic unit has submitted the results and found that it was a caliber .45 pistol that was used to kill our victim).
Kraft explained that a cross-matching exam would be used to identify the owner. The director also said they have found additional CCTV footage along the crime scene.
“Kahapon po ay, nakakuha na tayo ng karagdagang CCTV footages na kung saan pinapagtagpi-tagpi natin, kung itong ating suspect, ay yung nakita natin dito sa CCTV footage. Kailangan po kasi ng enhancement nito ng ating Anti-Cybercrime Group,” said Kraft.
(Yesterday, we obtained additional CCTV footage and are stitching together to identify the shooter. It needs enhancement from the Anti-Cybercrime Group.)
READ: PNP looking into CCTV that captured video of Percy Lapid ambush
“In a few days siguro, sa mga susunod na araw, medyo maganda po ang magiging development nito,” Kraft added.
(In a few days, in the following days, there will be some positive developments.)
When asked if the police had any persons of interest or suspects, Kraft could not confirm if they had found any but assured that the investigation is ongoing and that they have a “process of elimination.”
He said a second case conference will be conducted within the day where they expect the Anti-Cybercrime Group to present what they had found on Lapid’s phone.
Kraft assured that they are also looking at all angles of the case–be it work-related or because of personal grudges.
“Nalulungkot po tayo na isang media po ang naging biktima nitong marahas na krimen na ito, umasa po kayo na ang Philippine National Police ay patuloy po kayong babantayan, dahil naniniwala po kami na kayo’y kasama namin sa aming trabaho,” Kraft said when asked if the media was safe to cover current affairs in the country.
(We are saddened that a media member was the victim of this crime, you can expect that the Philippine National Police will continue to protect you, because we believe that you are with us in doing our jobs).
Lapid, a broadcast journalist, known for his scathing commentary, was killed on Monday night in Las Piñas City by unknown assailants. His killing drew widespread condemnation, with many saying this was an attack on press freedom in the Philippines.