Percy Lapid's family not ready to forgive confessed gunman

The family of slain journalist Percy Lapid is not yet ready to forgive confessed gunman Joel Escorial, prioritizing the pursuit of the mastermind.

Roy Mabasa, Percy Lapid's brother, stated that forgiveness is currently beyond the family's emotional capacity due to their profound grief.

Escorial voluntarily surrendered and implicated other individuals, claiming they were following orders from someone within the New Bilibid Prison.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. confirmed that ballistics tests and forensic evidence match the weapon used by Escorial.

Mabasa met with Escorial, conducted a crime scene walkthrough, and found the gunman's story consistent, though Abalos's confirmation of ballistics evidence further supports Escorial's involvement.

Escorial stated he was hired by a middleman in Bilibid.

Mabasa urged the police to verify Escorial's claims, emphasizing the need to identify the true suspect before forgiveness can be considered.