Canada, Netherlands Embassies urge gov't to create safe environment for journalists

The Canadian and Netherlands Embassies in the Philippines on Tuesday urged the government to create a safe environment for journalists so that they could carry out their work “without fear for their lives and safety.”

The two embassies made the remark after broadcaster and columnist Pervical Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City on Monday night.

“We express our grave concern about the killing of broadcast commentator Mr. Percival Mabasa by unidentified assailants last night. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones he left behind,” they said in a joint statement.

The two embassies are co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition in the Philippines.

While they welcomed the immediate action of law enforcement agencies to investigate Lapid’s death, the embassies called on authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“Journalist killings strike at the very core of media freedom and can create a chilling effect that curtails the ability of journalists to report news freely and safely,” they said.

“Such attacks on media workers must be urgently investigated, and those responsible must be held to account,” they added.

The French Embassy in Manila echoed its support to safeguard press freedom in the country.

“The embassy of France in the Philippines expresses its solidarity with the family of Mr. Mabasa. It supports the declaration by the Media Freedom Coalition co-chairs,” it said.

“France reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and protection of journalists,” it furthered.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Lapid was the second journalist killed under the Marcos administration, next to radio broadcaster Rey Blanco who was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental in September.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that a special investigation task force had been created to look into the Lapid shooting.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also said that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would investigate the incident.

The broadcaster’s family expressed their grief and anger over the killing of Lapid, which they called “brutal and brazen. — DVM, GMA News