Broadcaster Percy Lapid shot dead in Las Piñas

Radio broadcaster and columnist Percy Lapid was shot dead by two suspects onboard a motorcycle on Monday evening in Las Piñas City, according to a report by Ralph Obina for Super Radyo DZBB.

The incident occurred in Barangay Talon Dos, according to a report on GMA News' Unang Balita on Tuesday.

The broadcaster, whose real name was Percival Mabasa, was the host of the online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and a columnist for Hataw.

A relative of the victim said Lapid was on his way home to do an online broadcast at the time of the incident.

However, before reaching home, Lapid was shot several times by the two suspects who followed him.

Based on a police report from the Las Piñas City Police, the victim was onboard his vehicle when the SUV of one of the suspects suddenly bumped the rear portion of his SUV.

The other suspect onboard a motorcycle shot the victim and fled to an unknown direction, police said.

The incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. along Aria Street, they added.

Two empty shells of unknown caliber were recovered from the crime scene.

The police also started gathering CCTV footage to help in the investigation.

A special investigation task force meanwhile has been created to look into the fatal shooting, the Philippine National Police said Tuesday.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Tuesday also called on the PNP to hold the perpetrators behind Lapid’s killing accountable.

“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,” the NUJP said in a statement.

The broadcaster's remains have already been brought to a funeral parlor. —with a report from Joviland Rita and Giselle Ombay/BAP/KG, GMA News