Percy Lapid—VIDEOGRAB FROM FACEBOOK PAGE OF PERCY LAPID FIRE
MANILA, Philippines — Two years after the death of radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, political leaders continue to seek justice and accountability in the murder case.
Lapid was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen on October 3, 2022, while on his way home in Las Piñas.
Key suspects in the murder, including former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, remain at large as of writing.
READ: DOJ indicts Bantag, others for murder of Percy Lapid
Additionally, the mastermind behind the assassination has yet to be identified.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno emphasized the need for more intensified efforts from authorities in arresting the masterminds behind Lapid’s murder.
“Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang siya ay mapaslang subalit hanggang ngayon wala pa rin sa likod ng rehas na bakal ang mga nasa utak ng krimen na ito,” Diokno said in a video statement on Thursday.
(Two years have passed since he was killed, yet those behind this crime are still not behind bars.)
Senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan, in his statement, also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seek the truth and double its efforts in arresting Bantag.
“I am hopeful that itong kaso ng pagpatay kay Percy Lapid, kay Percy Mabasa ay susunod na rin ang pag-aamin ng mga testigo. Kung sino ang tunay na nasa likod nito,” Pangilinan added.
(I am hopeful that in the case of Percy Lapid’s murder, Percy Mabasa, the witnesses will eventually come forward and reveal the truth about who is truly behind it.)
Meanwhile, ACT Teachers’ party-list Rep. France Castro expressed her support for Lapid’s family, stressing the need to continue fighting for press freedom.
“Nakikiisa ako sa mga kaibigan at pamilya at malalapit na kamag-anak ni Percy Lapid. Mabuhay ang press freedom. Ipaglaban po natin ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag. Itigil na ang pamamaslang at katarungan para kay Percy,” she said.
(I stand in solidarity with the friends, family, and close relatives of Percy Lapid. Long live press freedom. Let us fight for the freedom of the press. Stop the killings and bring justice for Percy.)
The same sentiment was shared by senator Risa Hontiveros, who stated that the fight for justice is not yet over.
“Bagamat may nasintensyahan na ay hindi pa tapos ang ating laban upang matukoy ang mastermind ng karumaldumal na pagpatay sa kaniya. Tuloy ang paghahanap natin ng hustisya,” the female senator stressed.
(Although someone has already been sentenced, our fight is not yet over as we have yet to identify the mastermind behind his brutal murder. We will continue to seek justice.)
Diokno further challenged the public to remain vigilant in following the developments of the case, ensuring that justice will be served for Lapid.
READ: Media group asks for immediate justice for Percy Lapid
This was also echoed by former senator Leila de Lima who said that the landscape for justice is shifting, thus the need to amplify voices and demand accountability.
“There is a growing awareness among the public and more people are standing in solidarity against oppression. We must harness this momentum to ensure that our demands are not only heard but are acted upon,” De Lima stated.