New photo of person of interest in Percy Lapid slay released; reward up to P6.5M

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday released the confirmed latest photo of the person of interest in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

It also said the reward in exchange for information about the person of interest was increased to P6.5 million.

Lapid, host of the online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and columnist for Hataw, was shot dead by two men while on his way home in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City on October 3.

NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo on Friday said a person of interest was captured by CCTV cameras from along Lapid's routes moments before he was shot dead.

Estomo also announced on Friday that the reward money being offered to fast-track the resolution of the case has been increased from P500,000 to P1.5 million. The initial P500,000 reward came from Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos while the rest came from the victim's friends and concerned citizens, he said.

Security

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will provide security to members of the press who are receiving threats following the fatal shooting of Lapid.

In a press conference, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. advised media workers to report to the PNP if there is already a threat to their life because of their job.

“It would be better siguro kung impormahan niyo po kami so that we can provide you security. Kung may suspect po kayong pinaghihinalaan, at least makita po natin kaagad, imbestigahan po natin. At kung kinakailangan na magkaroon ng security, we will provide one for you,” he said.

(It would be better if you inform us so we can provide you security. If you have a suspect, at least we can conduct an investigation. And if security is needed, we will provide one for you.)

He also encouraged a discussion with the members of the press to determine the level of threat against media personalities.

According to Azurin, the PNP continues to gather information and review CCTV footage to solve the case of Lapid, whose real name was Percival Mabasa. —KG, GMA News