NUJP urges PNP to punish perpetrators in Percy Lapid slay

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Tuesday condemned the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, calling on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to hold the perpetrators accountable for the incident.

The NUJP pointed out that Lapid was the second journalist killed under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., next to radio broadcaster Rey Blanco who was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental in September.

“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.

NUJP said Lapid was critical of both the Duterte and Marcos administrations.

“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,” it added.

Extrajudicial execution?

Lapid was shot dead at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday in Las Piñas City by two suspects onboard a motorcycle while he was on his way home.

For its part, human rights group Amnesty International said the killing of Lapid "bears all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial execution and an attempt to silence voices critical of the government."

"The killing of radio commentator Percy Lapid tragically demonstrates, once again, that the Philippines remain one of the most dangerous countries in Southeast Asia and globally for its failure to protect journalists and defend human rights and freedom of the press," Amnesty said in a statement.

Noting that "at least two" journalists have been killed under his administration, Amnesty urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "to take urgent action to reverse this trend and stop the disgraceful business as usual treatment of activists and members of the media."

Lapid was the host of the online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and a columnist for Hataw.

The PNP said Tuesday that a special investigation task force has been created to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind Lapid’s killing. —Giselle Ombay/KG/KBK, GMA News