NCRPO creates task force to probe Percy Lapid slay

A special investigation task force has been created to look into the fatal shooting of broadcaster Percy Lapid in Las Piñas City on Monday night, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the PNP said an investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the killing.

"The PNP vows to bring justice to an attack against a member of the media industry," the PNP said. "Investigation is underway to determine the culprits and motive of this case."

"A Special Investigation Task Force was already created by Las Piñas City Station of NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) to spearhead and coordinate the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of the PNP."

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 NUJP said he was the second journalist killed under the Marcos administration, next to radio broadcaster Rey Blanco who was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental in September.

In a separate statement, NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo said he gave Las Piñas City Police chief Police Colonel Jaime Santos and the investigator 24 hours to solve the case.

“Likewise, I have given the investigator and the Chief of Police PCOL Jaime Santos, 24 hours to shed light on the matter and solve the case. We assure to provide an update as soon as available,’ he said.

He added that the NCRPO also created a special investigation task group called “SITG Lapid” composed of members from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region and PNP’s Intelligence Group.

“NCRPO acknowledges the indispensable part of our media friends in fair, truthful and timely dissemination of information to multitudes of audience,” he said.

“We will update the public in any smallest detail as to the development of the investigation. We guarantee to bring swift justice to the victim and his family,” he added.

Lapid was shot dead by two men while on his way home in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City around 8:30 p.m. on Monday.

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

According to witnesses, Lapid was onboard his vehicle when the SUV of one of the suspects suddenly bumped the rear portion of his car.

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

Lapid was the host of the online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and a columnist for Hataw. —Joviland Rita and Giselle Ombay/KBK/KG, GMA News