A case conference was conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday, 27 October 2022, as part of its ongoing motu proprio independent investigation into the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
Roy Mabasa, brother of Percy, attended the said conference with the family’s lawyers. They were received by CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc and Commissioner Beda Epres.
The case conference was an opportunity for CHR to discuss several developments on the case, including exchange of information, pieces of evidence, and testimonies, that will help push the investigation forward.
The issue on the family’s security was also surfaced. Aside from the ongoing independent investigation, CHR has offered its Witness Protection Program should the family or any credible witness opt to avail. Part of CHR’s commitments on this case also include strict monitoring and attendance in the preliminary investigation and hearings.
CHR has been doing its parallel investigation since the incident happened in early October with the interest of ensuring justice for the death of Percy Lapid, as well as to determine accountabilities for the arbitrary deprivation of life committed against the named broadcaster. CHR has assured the family that it will do its level best to help in addressing the case.
We look forward to the cooperation of relevant government agencies and personalities as we all pursue the shared goal of finding out the truth behind the killing of Percy Lapid and ensuring justice for this violation of the right to life.
Similarly, CHR also takes interests in other human rights concerns arising from this incident, such as the rights of persons deprived of liberty, improving jails and detention facilities, strengthening protection mechanisms for journalists safety, as well as possible lapses in observing government obligations towards human rights. ###