“From his sacrifice validates the message”
This note condemns the killing of broadcaster Percy Mabasa aka “Percy Lapid” of “Lapid fire” in Las Piñas recently.
This killing shows that journalism, or seeking truth from facts, remains a dangerous profession in the country- and despite claims of having free press thriving under the current Marcos regime this incident indicates how authorities failed to protect those who seek truth or voicing out opinions from harm; what more to see its ringleaders continuing to run.
Lapid, host of “Lapid fire” in DWB,1242, had been critical of the Aquino, Duterte, as well as the current Marcos administration, as well as its policies and personalities involved. And among his commentaries in his YouTube channel was on the dangers of red tagging and historical revisionism that’s thriving under the current regime.
This note strongly condemn this deplorable crime; for it was done not just against the messenger but also to the country and to the truth in which he’s seeking and upheld for. And in his death this validates the message that the order is scared of the reality how corrupt and oppressive is as in the past; that the culture if impunity is still flourishing no matter how they’re trying to downplay such inconvenient truths seen by many even up to the present.
And wouldn’t be surprised that the current administration, or its apologists would link to the killing of a radio commentator to that of the growing people’s concern over the government and its policies. Of course these people, in seriously defending the regime would respond by claiming “no proof” and “only wild speculations” that “serve as fodder” to the “recycled narrative that ‘the government did it’”, if not blaming the opposition for actively dissenting against the regime.
But from his death, as well as others who died for their profession would say that seeking truth from facts will continue to prevail even in this tumultuous times. That liberating ideas should thrive no matter foes trying to stop in this supposed democratic façade.
And therefore must not let his murder go unresolved or its perpetrators be brought to justice.