Philippines: Radio Broadcaster 'Percy Lapid' Murdered

Facts

• Philippine authorities confirmed on Tuesday that journalist and radio host Percival Mabasa, known as "Percy Lapid," was killed on Monday night during an ambush outside his gated community in Las Piñas, Metro Manila.
• According to local police, two motorcycle-riding gunmen approached Mabasa's car and shot him twice in the head. An investigation is underway to identify and locate the attackers.
• While the motive of the attack hasn't yet been determined, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security presumes it to be work-related. The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are also involved in the case.
• Mabasa, who was a prominent critic of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is reportedly the second journalist to be killed under the Marcos Jr. administration according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. On Sept. 18, radio broadcaster Rey Blanco was stabbed to death.
• The union claims that the Philippines remains dangerous for journalists, reporting that another 195 media workers – including at least 97 radio reporters – have been killed in the country since 1986.
• Foreign governments - including Canada and the Netherlands, who co-chair the Media Freedom Coalition in the Philippines - urged authorities to take "concrete steps" to bring Mabasa's murderers to justice and create a "safe environment for journalists."

Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, CNN Philippines, Rappler, and MB.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Rappler. This brazen killing demonstrates how dangerous it is to be a journalist in the Philippines, and that press freedom remains under attack nationwide. Authorities must be diligent and conduct an impartial investigation of this tragic crime, tackling the culture of impunity that has been encouraging such attacks.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Manila Times. Philippine Pres. Marcos Jr. has personally ordered authorities to investigate the unacceptable murder of Percy Lapid, indicating his unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of journalists. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has been working together with local police to release a thorough investigation as soon as possible. The government is committed to justice.