CHR offers protection to Mabasa kin

Jesus Crispin Remulla —RICHARD A. REYES

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has offered protection to the family of slain radio commentator and vlogger Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said it was “very possible” that the mastermind behind the Oct. 3 killing had been identified during the investigation of several persons of interest.

“The results [of the investigation], it’s very satisfactory. I think we made a lot of progress. The proper cases can be filed by the end of next week, hopefully,” Remulla told reporters at the Department of Justice (DOJ) office on Friday.

Asked if the mastermind was already known, he replied: “It’s possible, very possible.”

“We still have to evaluate everything properly. I’m just guiding the investigation,” he added.

Authorities have identified 160 persons of interest, including Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag who was suspended on Oct. 21 over the death of a Bilibid prisoner tagged by the alleged gunman, Joel Escorial, as the “middleman” to the mastermind.

The prisoner, who was first identified as Jun Globa Villamor and later as Cristito Villamor Palaña, died on Oct. 18 just a few hours after Escorial was presented to the media by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Persons of interest

Remulla said eight persons of interest are under custody, including the other alleged “middleman,” drug inmate Christopher Bacoto, and the persons identified by Palaña’s sister based on information prior to the prisoner’s death.

Remulla said the sworn statements taken from the persons of interest support each other “so far.”

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said four Bilibid prisoners now in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had their statements in a joint investigation by the bureau and the Philippine National Police.

The NBI also has in its custody another Bilibid inmate turned over by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and who was expected to give a sworn statement on Friday.

“Yesterday was the first time that the PNP and the NBI came together to perform an investigation jointly. So I think we’re on to something. The story is becoming a bit clearer,” Clavano told reporters. “It’s also possible that we’re being led to a certain story when there are other things we have to consider.”

Remulla said the results of his requested second autopsy on Palaña, performed by forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, will be presented on Saturday.

Security for Mabasa kin

Remulla said the DOJ was “making arrangements” to secure the Mabasa family. “I cannot micromanage everything but I’m telling you there’s someone to make sure that Mr. Mabasa’s family is well protected,” said Remulla.

The CHR made its offer of protection during the case conference on Wednesday on Mabasa’s killing, with his younger brother and veteran journalist Roy Mabasa in attendance.

The commission said the conference was part of its own investigation into Mabasa’s death.

In a statement, the human rights body said the discussion between Roy Mabasa and CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc with Commissioner Beda Epres was an opportunity “to discuss several developments on the case, including exchange of information, pieces of evidence, and testimonies, that will help push the investigation forward.”

“CHR has offered its witness protection program should the family or any credible witness opt to avail,” the commission said, although there was no elaboration on the offer.

‘Strict monitoring’

Asked by the Inquirer whether Roy Mabasa had accepted the offer, the CHR’s strategic communication division said the family was “still thinking about” it.

The CHR also assured the Mabasa family of its “strict monitoring and attendance” in the preliminary investigation and inquiries that may be conducted in connection with the killing.

“We look forward to the cooperation of relevant government agencies and personalities as we all pursue the shared goal of finding out the truth behind the killing of Percy Lapid and ensuring justice for this violation of the right of life,” the CHR said.

It also noted that they are taking “interests” in other human rights concerns that arose from Mabasa’s killing, such as the rights of persons deprived of liberty, improvement of jails and other detention facilities in the country, and strengthening protection mechanisms for the safety of journalists.

READ: Mabasa brother says 2nd ‘middleman’ uncooperative