CPJ to Philippines: End Impunity in Media Killings, Prioritize Journalist Murder Case

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a strong call for Philippine authorities to expedite their pursuit of suspects in the murder case of journalist Percival Mabasa, despite the alleged connections of one suspect with local police.

Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative, commented, “Philippine police should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of suspects Gerald Bantag and Ricardo Zulueta, who stand accused of involvement in the murder of journalist Percival Mabasa.”

Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, hosted the “Lapid Fire” program on local DWBL radio. He was fatally shot on October 3, 2022, in Las Piñas City by assailants on a motorcycle. The suspected shooter, Joel Estorial, later surrendered to police on October 18.

In a dramatic turn of events, the police suggested on November 7, 2022, that Bantag, the chief of the Bureau of Corrections, and Zulueta, a prison security official, had ordered the killing in retaliation to Mabasa’s coverage of corruption allegations against Bantag. Both Bantag and Zulueta have denied the charges, with Bantag asserting that an imprisoned drug lord framed them.

According to Roy Mabasa, the slain journalist's brother, both Bantag and Zulueta went into hiding in March 2023, evading arrest despite existing warrants. A second preliminary hearing in Mabasa’s case is due on June 23 in Manila.

Crispin went on to stress that, “If the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration is serious about ending impunity in media killings, it should prioritize securing these arrests. A suspect’s connections to law enforcement should not be allowed to hinder the swift pursuit of justice.”

The Philippines currently sits seventh on CPJ’s most recent Impunity Index, a ranking highlighting countries where journalists are killed and the murderers walk free. Under the new administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., there has been less overt antagonism towards the media than under his predecessor. However, journalists are still awaiting significant actions to improve press safety in the country.