MEDIA KILLING | Veteran radio commentator shot dead, PNP talking to two witnesses

October 4, 2022 , 09:55 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(October 4, 2022) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it already formed a special team that will investigate the gruesome killing of a veteran journalist in Las Piñas.

Percival Mabasa, a veteran radio broadcaster popularly known as Percy Lapid, was gunned down by two unidentified assailants aboard a motorcycle at the gate of a subdivision along Aria Street in Barangay Talon Dos on Monday night. The PNP said he was fatally shot below the ear.

Col. Jaime Santos, the chief of Las Piñas PNP, said they are requesting a copy of the dash cam file and the CCTV video to begin their probe, but they still need consent. He added that Mabasa’s cellphone will go through a digital forensic examination.

“Bumuo na kami ng special team na nag-iimbestiga rito. Pupunta kami sa radio station for investigation doon at nagko-conduct na rin kami ng continuous follow-up tungkol doon sa riding-in-tandem na gumawa nito,” said Santos on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5.

Initial reports said a sports utility vehicle bumped the rear portion of Mabasa’s car before the gunmen killed him. But Santos said this did not happen. They have also yet to identify the caliber of the gun used.

Mabasa was reportedly on his way home to prepare for his usual online broadcast when he was shot dead by the suspects. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., according to the PNP report.

“‘Yung mismong riding-in-tandem lang ‘yung mga suspek,” said Santos. “Wala kaming nakuhang plaka ng riding-in-tandem, ‘yung motor na ginamit nila. ‘Yung sasakyan na Fortuner, walang ganun—walang nangyaring ganun.”

Mabasa worked as a commentator at DWBL 1242 where he hosted the program Lapid Fire. Known for his critical approach, he was recognized by his colleagues for his brave approach to discussing pressing issues such as red-tagging, disinformation, and freedom of expression.

Mabasa also frequently aired criticisms against former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Bongbong Marcos Jr. He also worked as a columnist for Hataw and was a former broadcaster at DWIZ 882.

Santos said they are expecting at least two witnesses to give their formal statements about the killing. He said they were able to talk to a lawyer and a businessman last night.

“Hindi formal statement ‘yung sinulat nila kasi nagmamadali sila. Pero gagawan namin ng paraan na makausap sila ngayong umaga. Although, nagsabi naman sila na pupunta sila rito sa formal statement taking,” said Santos.

Several journalists were shocked by the incident, the second recorded case of media killing under the term of Marcos.

“His (Mabasa’s) last upload on his YouTube page was six hours ago. His KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) ID and other cards named Percival Mabasa were retrieved from his vehicle. He was alone in his vehicle. Rest in peace, Ka Percy,” said DWIZ 882 broadcaster Marou Sarne on Facebook.

(PM)

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