Molina, James Ynnoh P.

2CED-ENG
GECETH-18 February 02, 2024

Power, corruption and fury: the killing of Percy Lapid

Known professionally as Percy Lapid, veteran broadcaster Percy Mabasa was targeted
and killed while on his way to record his nightly radio show in Las Pinas, Metro Manila.
Mabasa, with a 35-year vocation, was perceived for uncovering defilement among strong figures.
The incident was caught on camera, and before his car hit another vehicle, shots could be heard
and a motorcycle was following him. His death has revealed serious allegations of wrongdoing
by senior officials and raised concerns about the safety of media workers in the Philippines. Calls
for specialists to address the dangers confronting writers have heightened in the repercussions of
this sad occasion.

Specialists have recognized 160 people of interest in the killing of Percy Mabasa, with an
emphasis on authorities in the country's jail framework. The Philippine public police and Public
Agency of Examination have blamed the authority for rectifying boss, Gerald Bantag, and his
agent, security official, Ricardo Zulueta, of organizing the homicide through jail detainees.
Investigators claim to have discovered the transformation of the correctional system into a
large-scale criminal organization, despite the fact that charges have not been filed in court.
Supposedly, Mabasa's reports on Bantag prompted the thought process behind arranging the
killing, as expressed by Eugene Javier of the NBI.

In the Philippines, people on media killings are normal, yet equity for these assaults is
uncommon. The identification of masterminds is extremely uncommon since the restoration of
democracy in 1986, when only about 60 of 197 journalist murders resulted in convictions. Gerald
Bantag, the head of the authority of remedies, blamed for organizing Percy Mabasa's homicide,
has denied contribution and documented a movement for restraint, scrutinizing the
fair-mindedness of the Department of Justice prosecutors. The justice secretary, Jesus Crispin
Remulla, has been blamed for political desires. Mabasa's family has declined police protection
because they are unsure of their true adversaries, despite evidence such as testimony, Facebook
messages, and bank records.

Reference link:

Ratcliffe, R. (2023, January 18). Power, corruption and fury: the killing of Percy Lapid. The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/29/power-corruption-and-fury-the-killing-of-percy-

lapid
Analysis:

There is no denying the difficulties that people in the media industry face right
now, with an increasing risk of threats, red-tagging, and acts of violence. The seriousness
of these difficulties has arrived at a disturbing level. Media experts, dependent with the
obligation of conveying precise and fair messages, end up in an unstable position,
confronting dangers that reach out past their own security to the trustworthiness of the
data they convey. The danger lies in the potential harm to the very people or gatherings
to whom the conveyed messages relate. The gravity of the situation emphasizes the
importance of upholding the journalistic profession's fundamental principles of truth and
fairness.

Moreover, in this case Percy Lapid highlights the challenges and difficulties of the
media and journalists . The incident not only shows the demanding nature of the work but
also exposes the profound impact on the viewership, causing distress and fear among the
broader people, transcending those directly involved in the industry. The said issue that
caused the scandal has sparked a wide range of viewpoints and opinions, with some
blaming Lapid for the alleged lack of caution in reporting the news, while others see it as
a strong message and reminder of the inherent dangers media workers face.

In spite of these points of view, it is essential to acknowledge the professional

dedication of individuals like Percy Lapid, who swear a solemn oath to serve the nation
and its people. In conveying news, Lapid stays brave and unafraid in maintaining the
standards of truth, decency, and fairness, in spite of the threat of being a journalist. This
incident emphasizes the need to protect and prioritize journalism. The government must
recognize the threat to truth when journalists delivering accurate news face harm.
Preserving journalistic integrity is crucial for ensuring a future where truth is not
compromised by the dangers faced by those particular subjects.