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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Mabasa family thanks gov't probers for filing murder raps vs Bantag

Philippines

Mabasa family thanks gov't probers for filing murder raps vs Bantag

By Jean Fernando

The family of slain broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa thanked government investigators for filing murder charges against suspended Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) chief Gen. Gerald Bantag and other personalities linked to his killing.

The family, through Percy’s brother -- veteran journalist Roy Mabasa -- expressed their gratitude to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Bureau of Investigation, and the police.

Mabasa also thanked the supporters and listeners of his brother who did not leave them in the middle of their grief.

He posted the family’s statement in his Facebook page after government investigators filed the charges against Bantag and others.

“We are optimistic and asking for prayers and continued support for identifying more masterminds behind Bantag,” Mabasa said.

He said the family is also grateful that an investigation was conducted on the corruption within BuCor, which Lapid had first revealed in his program “Lapid Fire” before he was killed on Oct. 3.

“Sana po ay umpisa na ito upang mapalakas ang proteksyon sa mga mamamahayag na ipinaglalaban ang katotohanan (I hope this will help strengthen the protection being accorded to journalists who are fighting for the truth),” Mabasa said.

Quoting his late brother, Mabasa said “speaking out the truth is not courage but an obligation.”

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