Percy Lapid's sibling asks Marcos to lead probe into brother's killing

The family of slain broadcast journalist Percy Lapid on Friday appealed to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to lead the investigation into the killing.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Roy Mabasa, Lapid's brother, said the President leading the investigation may put a stop to the killing of journalists "once and for all."

"Nais kong manawagan sa Pangulo na sana ay pangunahan itong imbestigasyon. Dahil bakit ba natin gusto na ang Pangulo ang nasa unahan nito? Para matigil na once and for all ang killings sa mga journalist," he said.

(I want to appeal to the President to hopefully lead the investigation. Why? So that for once and for all the killing of journalists will stop.)

Mabasa, himself a journalist, noted that since 1986, more or less 200 media workers have been killed, and that there has not been any "conviction or total resolution" to any of these cases.

"Kaya ang pakiusap natin dapat Pangulo ang mamumuno dito kung ang intensiyon ng Pangulo ay talagang supilin itong krimen na ganito laban sa mga mamamahayag," Mabasa said.

(That's why our appeal is for the President to take charge if the intention really is to put a stop to these crimes against journalists.)

Mabasa thanked the police force and other government agencies conducting parallel investigations into the killing of his brother.

Lapid, whose real name is Percival Mabasa, was shot dead by two men while on his way home in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City on the night of October 3.

Malacañang earlier said President Marcos is "concerned" over the killing of Lapid, host of online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and columnist for Hataw.

Speaking before the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) on October 5, Marcos vowed to support and protect the rights of the media, citing their important role in the development of the country.

“Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty,” Marcos said.

“I underscore the crucial role of the press in building an active citizen, one that contributes to the development of our society,” he added.

Mabasa said his brother, who he described as mild-mannered in real life, was no stranger to threats although there was no attempt on his life prior to the killing.

He also said his brother was frequently sued for libel but was always cleared by the court.

"So parang premonition na iyon na parang inihahanda na si Ka Percy na kapag siya ay pumanaw ay malinis na ang kaniyang record. Siya'y isa nang malayang mamamahayag," Mabasa said.

(So him being cleared by the courts was like a premonition, that he'll die with a clean record.)  —KBK, GMA News