By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Apart from taking the headlines of international news agencies, the assassination of broadcast commentator Percy Lapid alarmed the diplomatic community and urged the government to ensure that the journalists will be able to exercise their duties and responsibilities without being harmed or threatened.
Last week, several embassies echoed Canada and Netherlands’ call for justice and swift resolution in solving the death of Percival Mabasa, a.k.a Percy Lapid, who was killed by two unidentified assailants while on his way to do his live broadcast last October 3.
Meanwhile, the British Embassy in Manila said it fully supports Canada and the Netherlands’ statement, which earlier expressed grave concern over the journalist’s brutal killing.
In the statement of the British Embassy, it said, “The UK Embassy in Manila fully supports the statement of the Media Freedom Coalition. We urge the Filipino authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of the killing of Percival Mabasa are brought to justice and to create a safe environment for all journalists in the Philippines.”
While the European Union in the Philippines and the Embassies of Denmark and France also expressed solidarity with Mabasa’s kin.
“France reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of journalists,” the French Embassy in Manila said.
Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Roy Mabasa, Percy Lapid’s younger brother, a veteran journalist and diplomatic reporter said that Polish Ambassador to the Philippines Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, and Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Šedivá personally expressed their sympathies to him and the family about the brutal murder of his brother. The envoys also offered help in whatever capacity they can do to bring justice to the murder of his brother.
Apart from the diplomatic community and government officials, family, friends and fans of Percy Lapid cry for justice.
The bereaved family said they are “deeply saddened and angered” by the brutal killing of the hard-hitting broadcaster and demanded that the perpetrators be held liable.
“We strongly condemn this deplorable crime; it was committed not only against Percy, his family, and his profession, but against our country, his beloved Philippines, and the truth,” a family statement posted by Roy Mabasa read.
“Percy was beloved by many and highly respected by peers, fans and foes alike. His bold and sharp commentaries cut through the barrage of fake news over the airwaves and on social media. We demand that his cowardly assassins be brought to justice,” the family said.
