NUJP: Accountability in Lapid case to ‘help chip away culture of impunity’
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP / PNP
MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of the confessed gunman of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, as it noted that holding accountable those behind the radioman’s death would “help chip away at the culture of impunity” in media killings.
This statement came after Lapid’s suspected gunman Joel Escorial surrendered to authorities and named three other suspects behind the radio commentator’s murder.
READ: Confessed gunman in Percy Lapid killing surrenders, tags 3 other suspects
NUJP said this development in the case is a step toward the “identification, arrest and prosecution of whoever ordered and paid for the killing of [their] colleague.”
“Accountability in this case will help chip away at the culture of impunity around journalist killings that media, civil society and government agencies have been working to change,” it added.
NUJP said it likewise joins Lapid’s family, listeners, and supporters, as well as the journalism community, in “monitoring developments in the case and in waiting for justice for his death.”
Lapid was gunned down near the gate of a Las Piñas City village on October 3, Monday.
READ: Radio commentator Percy Lapid shot dead in ambush
He was the host of “Lapid Fire,” known for airing hard-hitting criticisms of the government.
According to the NUJP, Lapid is the second journalist killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The first was radio host Rey Blanco, who was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental last September. Trisha Manalaysay, INQUIRER.net trainee
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