STOP THE KILLINGS | Groups, political figures slam killing of veteran radio commentator

October 4, 2022 , 12:30 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(October 4, 2022) – In what has become a familiar refrain in recent years, media groups and political personalities on Tuesday demanded an end to the killing of journalists in the country following the gruesome slaying of a veteran radio commentator in Las Piñas.

Jonathan De Santos, the chairperson of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), said the killing of Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, may have been related to his work as a hard-hitting commentator on DWBL 1242, highlighting the continued dangers that journalists face in the Philippines.

“Tuwing merong inaatake na kasama natin sa trabaho, ang assumption natin is work-related. Nakausap din natin ‘yung family niya and they do believe na wala nang ibang dahilan para atakihin siya. Very critical siya or very fierce ‘yung kanyang commentary,” said De Santos on News5’s Frontline sa Umaga.

In his latest YouTube videos, Mabasa talked about the dangers of red-tagging concerning the personal attacks hurled against Manila Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar after she junked a proscription case against communist groups.

The NUJP will hold an indignation rally this Tuesday evening at the Boy Scout Circle in Quezon City to condemn the killing of Mabasa. In its statement, the NUJP said Mabasa was the second journalist after radio broadcaster Rey Blanco to get killed under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Marcos’ late father infamously controlled the media during his iron-fisted dictatorship, where many critical journalists were jailed, abused, and tortured.

“The killing shows that journalism remains a dangerous profession in the country. That the incident took place in Metro Manila indicates how brazen the perpetrators were, and how authorities have failed to protect journalists as well as ordinary citizens from harm,” said the NUJP.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, of which Mabasa is a member, urged the government to prevent any form of violence against all media personnel.

Mabasa’s family called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crime, adding that the attack was not merely directed at the seasoned radio commentator but also against the profession, the country, and the truth.

The PNP and the National Capital Region Police Office have assured that they will closely look into the incident.

Political personalities, including former Vice President Leni Robredo, echoed the calls for justice over the killing of Mabasa.

“Malaking kawalan ang kanyang boses, tapang, at pananaw sa panahong bumabangga tayo sa tahasang panlilinlang sa taumbayan. Dapat agad maihain ang hustisya sa pangyayaring ito at sa marami pang insidente ng pagpatay sa ating journalists,” said Robredo.

Sen. Robin Padilla also sought justice for Mabasa as he stressed that violence has no place in society. Former senator Sonny Trillanes IV saluted Mabasa for “standing up for the truth.”

Last year, the Philippines was the seventh deadliest country for journalists as the number of unresolved killings rose to 13, according to the New York-based media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists. The Philippines also further slipped to 147th place among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.

According to the NUJP, at least 24 media workers were killed during the heavy-handed term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Karapatan, a human rights organization, stressed that the public should stay vigilant to protect journalists.

“We are one with them in their call for justice for Percy and all journalists killed. We support their calls for independent investigation towards holding the perpetrators accountable,” said Karapatan.

(PM)

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