THE NATIONAL Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemns the killing of broadcaster Percy Mabasa — also known as Percy Lapid — in Las Piñas last night.
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.
Lapid, host of “Lapid Fire” on DWBL 1242, had been critical of the Duterte administration as well as some personalities in and policies of the Marcos administration.
Among his most recent commentaries on his YouTube channel was on the dangers of red-tagging, particularly the most recent harassment of Manila Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar.
He had also commented on the security risks of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and on historical distortion of Martial Law.
Mabasa is the second journalist to be killed under Marcos Jr. administration. Radio broadcaster Rey Blanco was stabbed to death in Mabinay, Negros Oriental last Sept. 18, 2022.
We condole with Lapid’s family, including his brother and veteran journalist Roy Mabasa.
We call on the public to join us in condemning yet another murder of a journalist. We call on the Philippine National Police to hold the perpetrators accountable.
(NUJP statement, 4 Oct. 2022)
