Philippines condemns 'barbaric' killing of broadcast journalist

Reporter Percival Mabasa, known as Percy Lapid, was shot dead in Las Piñas City, south of Manila on Monday

Philippine authorities have condemned the "barbaric" killing of a veteran radio broadcaster who was known for his hard-hitting commentaries

Percy Lapid, 63, was shot dead in Las Piñas City, south of Manila on Monday evening. He was driving his car when he was attacked by two unidentified gunmen. Lapid died at the scene.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned the killing, calling it an "attack on press freedom." He has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a full investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The PNP has formed a task force to investigate the killing. The task force is headed by Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, the director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has also condemned the killing, calling it a "senseless act of violence." The NUJP has called on the government to take steps to protect journalists and ensure that they can work without fear of reprisal.

Who was Percy Lapid?

Percy Lapid was a veteran radio broadcaster who was known for his hard-hitting commentaries on current events.

He hosted a popular radio program on DWBL, where he was known for his critical views of the government and his exposes on corruption.

Lapid was also a member of the NUJP and a vocal advocate for press freedom.

The impact of Lapid's death

The killing of Percy Lapid has sent shockwaves through the Philippine media community.

The NUJP has called it a "dark day for Philippine journalism" and has said that it is "a clear attempt to silence critical voices."

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also condemned the killing, calling it "a brazen attack on a fearless journalist."

The CPJ has called on the Philippine government to take immediate steps to investigate the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The need for press freedom

The killing of Percy Lapid is a reminder of the importance of press freedom.

A free press is essential for a democracy, as it allows journalists to hold those in power accountable and to inform the public about important issues.

The Philippine government must do everything in its power to protect journalists and ensure that they can work without fear of reprisal.