The family of slain radio commentator Percival C. Mabasa on Monday, Nov. 7, expressed its gratitude to the government for investigating and filing murder charges against those behind the killing of the broadcaster who was better known as Percy Lapid.

Percival’s brother, veteran journalist Roy C. Mabasa, issued a statement of gratitude after murder charges were filed against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Q. Bantag, BuCor’s Deputy Security Officer Ricardo S. Zulueta and several others for the killing not only of his brother, but also of the alleged middleman in the slaying, Cristito Villamor Palana, an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison who was earlier identified as Jun Globa Villamor.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Governments, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, at higit sa lahat sa mga supporters at tagapakinig ni Ka Percy na hindi kami iniwanan sa gitna ng aming pagdadalamhati at patuloy na paghahanap ng katarungan (We thank the DOJ, the DILG, the NBI, the PNP, and especially the supporters and listeners of Ka Percy for not leaving us behind in our morning and our quest for justice),” said Roy said.

“We are optimistic and asking for prayers and continued support for identifying more masterminds behind Bantag,” he added but did not elaborate.

Roy said the Mabasa family is also thankful over launch of investigation into the corrupt activities inside the BuCor which was exposed by his brother’s program “Lapid Fire.”

With the filing of criminal complaints, Roy expressed hope that this would be start for “mapalakas ang proteksyon sa mga mamamahayag na ipinaglalaban ang katotohanan (strengthen the protection of mediamen who have been fighting for the truth).”

“Gaya po ng palaging sinasabi ni Ka Percy, ‘ang paglalahad ng katotohanan ay di katapangan kundi isang tungkulin’ (Just like what Ka Percy used to say, the exposure of the truth is not just an act of bravery but also a duty),” he also said.

Aside from Bantag and Zulueta who were charged as “principals by inducement,” also named in the Percy Lapid killing as “principals by indispensable cooperation” were persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) Denver Batungbakal Mayores, Alvin Cornista Labra, Aldrin Micosa Galicia and Alfie Penaredonda.

For the killing of Palana, also charged as “principals by direct participation” were PDLs Christian Dizon Ramac, Ricky Lamigo Salgado, Ronnie Pabustan Dela Cruz, and Joel Alog Reyes.

It is expected that the new complaints will be consolidated with the first complaint filed against Escorial and his alleged three accomplices – brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, and a person identified only as “Orly” or “Orlando.” The three co-respondents have neither surrendered nor arrested.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the DOJ will form a panel of investigators to conduct preliminary investigation on the new complaints filed by the NBI and PNP which conducted joint probes on the two killings.

TAGS: #DOJ #Percy Lapid #Palana #Remulla