The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to release on Thursday, Oct. 20, its resolution on the murder complaint filed against the suspects in the killing last Oct. 3 of hard-hitting DWBL radio commentator Percival Mabasa, known as Percy Lapid.
DOJ’s Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento said on Wednesday, Oct. 19, self-confessed killer Joel S Escorial (not Estorial as earlier reported) was presented for inquest before the DOJ on Tuesday night, Oct. 18.
In the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Malcontento said that Escorial was accused of murder in violation of Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for the killing of Percy Lapid.
He said that also named as Escorial’s co-respondents were brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, and a third person identified only as “Orly” or “Orlando.” The three other suspects were identified by Escorial.
Journalist Roy Mabasa, the brother of the victim, told reporters on Wednesday that he was able to talk to Escorial on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
“Isa sa mga tinanong natin sa kanya kagabi kung ano ang motibo at sino ang mga behind sa pagkamatay. Sinabi niya na siya ay kinontrata ng isang taga-loob ng Bilibid (I asked him last night what was the motive and who was behind the murder. He said he was contracted by an inmate of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to do the hit on the victim),” Roy said.
Roy, who was with the PNP for a “walkthrough” of the crime scene, said he asked the PNP to ensure the safety of Escorial.
Percy was ambushed at around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 along Aria Street in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Pinas City.
“’Yung walkthrough kagabi gave us a lot of perspective kung papaano nila pinatay yung kapatid ko (The walkthrough gave us a lot of perspective on how my brother was killed),” Roy said.
Roy added that the suspects made plans and conducted surveillance of his late brother.
He said he was informed by PNP investigators that closed circuit television (CCTV) footage have been secured including those from a restaurant located near the house of Percy in Las Pinas City.
“They were there for more than four days doon sa kainan na yun at minamanmanan nila ang labas-pasok ng aking kapatid (They were there at the restaurant for more than four days to monitor the activity of my brother),” he said.
TAGS: #DOJ #PNP #Percy Lapid #Escorial