A P1.5 million reward is now being offered for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of those behind the killing of veteran and hard-hitting broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa, better known as Percy Lapid.
First to offer the reward was lawyer Alexander Lopez, son of former Manila mayor Gemiliano ‘Mel’ Lopez, who was quoted saying that he is ready to give P1 million to any tipster that could help bring justice to the family of Mabasa.
Lopez decried the killing of the 63-year-old Mabasa and urged authorities to expedite the arrest of the suspects and swift resolution of the case.
On Wednesday night, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. has offered a P500,000 reward.
Abalos extended the bounty during his visit at Mabasa’s wake at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday night, Oct. 5, explaining that the cash reward will be sourced from his personal funds.
“I am offering P500,000 from my own money, for any information na makakatulong pa sa imbestigasyon (that can aid in the investigation),” Abalos stated.
Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, was gunned down in front of a subdivision gate in Las Piñas City on Monday, Oct. 3.
Abalos also assured Mabasa’s bereaved family members that the government will use all of its resources to identify the assailants behind Lapid’s ambush.
He also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is extensively looking at all possible angles and leads to identify the perpetrators, specifically the mastermind behind the killing.