The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is already conducting a motu proprio investigation into the brazen killing of veteran broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa in Las Piñas City on Monday night, 3 October 2022.
Mabasa, who hosts ‘Lapid Fire’ on DWBL 1242, was said to be on his way to his radio news programme when he was gunned down by two unidentified armed suspects. Prior to this incident, he is known to have critical views on the policies and some personalities under the Duterte and Marcos Jr. administrations.
CHR stands with the media community in denouncing and condemning this violent crime and violation of the right to life. Journalists are essential in upholding democracy and demanding accountability in any society.
We have also repeatedly underscored the crucial need to ensure a safe and unimpaired media environment in order to amplify the voices of the most marginalised sectors and to foster balance in communicating the nation’s state of affairs. Journalists, who primarily responsible for informing the Filipino citizenry of critical information, must be able to work without fear. Any threat or attack to press freedom is a direct threat to people’s right to truth and information. Similarly, allowing multiple diverging views to flourish is an important facet of a working democracy and, thus, needs to be protected.
One episode of media killing is already far too many. As such, we urge government, particularly our law enforcement officers, to bring the perpetrators to account. We also call on the public to advocate for the importance of journalism in maintaining peace, cultivating unity, and advocating justice for all.
CHR extends its condolences to the victim’s families and loved ones. #StopTheKillings