Manila Bulletin
Prosecutors’ panel formed to probe Bantag,
others in Percy Lapid, ‘middleman’ killings
The Department of Justice has formed a three-member panel of prosecutors to investigate two murder complaints related to the killings of radio commentator Percival 'Percy Lapid' Mabasa and inmate Cristito Villamor Palana, the alleged middleman in the broadcaster's slaying.
The complaints filed on November 7 name suspended BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag, BuCor Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, and several persons deprived of liberty as accused.
Bantag and Zulueta were charged as principals by inducement in both murders, while various PDLs were charged as principals by indispensable cooperation and by direct participation.
The newly filed complaints will be consolidated with an earlier complaint filed on October 18 by the Philippine National Police against self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial and his alleged accomplices.
A three-member prosecution panel led by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas has been assigned to handle the consolidated cases.
Percy Lapid was ambushed and killed near his Las Piñas neighborhood on October 3, prompting a high-profile investigation.
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Murder complaints have been filed against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and other individuals in connection with the killing of broadcast journalist Percy Lapid.
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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that more cases will be filed on Monday, November 7, against individuals involved in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.
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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla admitted he initially hoped other groups, particularly drug lords, were responsible for the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid instead of suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag.
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The family of slain journalist Percy Lapid remains optimistic that murder complaints filed against Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and others will lead to the identification of more masterminds.
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Self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial has revealed a network of individuals allegedly involved in the killing of radio commentator Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa.
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