MANILA, Philippines — The reward for anyone who could provide crucial information on the killers of veteran radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, has now reached P1.5 million.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said this on Friday as he unveiled a photo of the person of interest tagged in Lapid’s murder.
READ: ‘Person of interest’ unveiled in Percy Lapid slay case
“Alam naman ninyo na tayo’y nagbibigay ng reward – P500,000 galing sa akin at P1 million galing kay Alex Lopez at marami pang gustong tumulong,” he said in a press briefing at the headquarters of the National Capital Region Police Office.
(You know that we’ve already pledged a reward – P500,000 from me and P1 million from Alex Lopez, and many others have vowed to help as well.)
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Lopez – a lawyer and businessman – said he was offering the reward to hasten the arrest of the radioman’s murderers.
Abalos, meanwhile, announced his reward in a visit to Lapid’s wake.
He likewise condemned the killing of Lapid, and assured the public that the government will make sure the slain journalist gets justice.
READ: Abalos offers P500,000 reward for leads in Percy Lapid killing
Lapid, a fierce critic of the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and of the present administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was shot dead near the gate of a Las Piñas City subdivision on Monday night.
The slain broadcaster hosted Lapid Fire, a radio program aired on DWBL 1242. Lapid was known for his sharp commentaries.
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