The House of Representatives is offering a P5-million reward to anyone who could provide valuable information that will lead to the arrest of the gunmen behind the killing of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid.
This was announced by Speaker Martin Romualdez after Lapid was buried to his final resting place at the Manila Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon.
The veteran broadcaster, known for his hard-hitting commentary, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in Las Piñas City.
Authorities have yet to catch the gunmen, but they announced last week that they had already identified a person of interest in Lapid’s killing. There is now a total of P6.5-million bounty on his head.
Romualdez said that House members have made personal contributions to raise the amount of the bounty.
READ: NCRPO finds person of interest in Percy Lapid killing
“We in the House view with concern the killing of Percy Mabasa. The perpetrators and the masterminds behind this dastardly act must be brought to justice at all costs,” he said.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society like ours,” the Speaker stressed.
He lamented the continued violence against the media who are just exercising their profession.
Recognizing the “critical” role of journalists as “partners in nation-building” and in ensuring government transparency, he said that their protection is “very important in guaranteeing freedom of speech and freedom of expression.”