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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Self-confessed gunman, 3 others plead 'not guilty' when arraigned on murder charge in Percy Lapid killing

Self-confessed gunman, 3 others plead 'not guilty' when arraigned on murder charge in Percy Lapid killing

Published May 12, 2023 09:36 am
Self-confessed gunman Joel S. Escorial and five persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who were charged with murder in the Oct. 3, 2022 killing of radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa pleaded not guilty when arranged on Friday, May 12, before the Las Pinas City regional trial court (RTC). Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento confirmed the arraignment of the six accused. Asked why Escorial, despite his extrajudicial confession on the slaying of Percy Lapid, still pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, Malcontento said: “Procedural lang yan (merely procedural).  It happens.” The arraignment of the other accused – led by former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gerald Q. Bantag, former BuCor security officer Ricardo S. Zulueta and three other persons – has been deferred pending their arrest. Bantag had earlier sent surrender feelers to a Cabinet member and a law enforcement friend of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla. But Remulla said that since then, Bantag has been unheard of.  Zulueta, on the other hand, has neither sent surrender feeler nor has been arrested as of posting. Bantag and Zulueta were ordered arrested last April 14 by the Las Pinas City RTC on account of the murder charge filed against them. Malcontento said those who pleaded not guilty during the arraignment aside from Escorial were PDLs Denver Mayores, Alvin Labra, Aldrin Galicia, Alfie Peñaredonda and Christopher Bacoto. Those who remain at large, aside from Bantag and Zulueta, were brothers Israel and Edmon Dimaculangan, and an accused only known as “Orly” or “Orlando.” After the arraignment, the Las Pinas RTC set the pre-trial of the case on June 23, Malcontento said.
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