Separate DOJ task force sought to probe slay of radioman Percy Lapid

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has asked the Department of Justice to form a separate task force to probe the killing of radio journalist Percival Mabasa, popularly known as Percy Lapid, Justice Undersecretary Mico Clavano said Wednesday.

"We received a letter from the PTFOMS recommending a separate task force to find out if it (killing of Mabasa) is work-related or non-work related," Clavano said in a CNN Philippines interview.

"But we expect the PTFOMS to be at the forefront of the investigation in close coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation). They will work as one team," Clavano added.

The NBI is under the DOJ, while the PNP is under the Department of the Interior and Local Government. PTFOMS, on the other hand, is under the Office of the President.

Lapid, a known critic of the extrajudicial killings and red-tagging of opposition figures, was on board and driving his black Toyota Innova around 8:30 pm when he was shot dead by two suspects on board a motorcycle without a plate number in Las Piñas City last October 3.

Clavano said that the existence of the PTFOMS created via an administrative order back in 2016 is a testament to the government's commitment to free press and ensuring safety of journalists.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Percy Lapid. Given the magnitude of the case, the NBI and PNP will put their best foot forward figuring out the facts relevant to the case," Clavano said.

"There is a place for constructive criticism and a place for dissent in a democratic society. The creation of PTFOMS shows the genuine intention of the government in implementing such policies," Clavano added. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News