Hontiveros on indictment of Bantag, others: ‘A warning that no one is immune from justice’
MANILA, Philippines — “This should be a stern warning that no one is immune from justice. Not even uniformed personnel.”
Sen. Risa Hontiveros delivered the unwavering remark on Wednesday after a Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor panel indicted suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and several others over the killing of tough-talking radioman Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and Bilibid inmate Cristito “Jun Villamor” Palaña.
“The indictment of General Bantag is an important step towards justice for Percy Lapid’s family, rebuilding genuine freedom of the press, and exercising the culture of impunity that has been haunting us,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
She spoke passionately about the worrying regularity of law enforcers and military personnel exhibiting a brashness, causing unease among the citizens.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police must seriously investigate its ranks and review its culture. The gall of guilty state personalities to commit or attempt these crimes is a disgrace to the good military and policemen and women who dedicate their lives to our nation. We can do better,” she said.
Hontiveros also called on the Malacañang to augment its efforts in safeguarding journalists and urge them to continue truth-telling.
She added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., also AFP commander-in-chief, must likewise directly remind military personnel of their mandate to the Filipino people.
While expressing hopes for fair and smooth sailing case, Hontiveros said the interests of Mabasa’s family – rooted in their quest for justice – must be upheld throughout the process.
Motorcycle-riding assailants gunned down Mabasa in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. He was the first journalist killed under the Marcos administration.
Weeks later, Palaña died just a few hours after being publicly implicated by confessed gunman Joel Escorial at a news conference organized by authorities.
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