Inquirer
Bato Dela Rosa scraps Rodrigo Duterte link in Percy Lapid murder: ‘Motive is malayo’
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.
Murder complaints have been filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Bantag, BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, and other alleged cohorts, including persons deprived of liberty, in relation to the killings of Lapid and alleged middleman Cristito Palaña.
Lapid's brother, Roy Mabasa, stated that the family is unconvinced that Bantag is the sole mastermind and will continue to seek justice until all masterminds are identified.
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa rejected on Tuesday any attempt to link former President Rodrigo Duterte to the killing of Percy Lapid, stating that the investigation points to Bantag.
Dela Rosa questioned the motive for implicating Duterte, who appointed Bantag as BuCor chief.
The family hopes this development will strengthen the protection of journalists who strive to reveal the truth, echoing Lapid's belief that 'telling the truth is not courage but an obligation.'
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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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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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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.
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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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The family of slain journalist Percy Lapid has urged the public not to be distracted by statements from Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag, who is implicated as the alleged mastermind in the killing.
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