Philippine police today accused the head of the Correctional Office, which oversees the management of the prison, Bontag, of ordering the killing of eminent radio journalist Percy. Rapid, the journalist’s death arouses international attention. The France-Presse agency reported that Percy, 63 years old. Percy Lapid, whose real name is Percival Mabasa, was shot dead by assailants on his way to work on DWBL radio on 3 October.
Police filed a murder complaint against currently suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) head Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta.
Joel Escorial, believed to be the gunman, surrendered to authorities last month, citing fears for his safety after police released surveillance footage, officials said earlier.
“He (Bontag) could become the highest ranking official in the country to be charged in such a major case,” said Attorney General Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Eugene Javier of the National Bureau of Investigation told reporters in a statement that Bontag ordered the killing of Mabassa, presumably because “Mabassa has repeatedly exposed his inappropriate behavior on the show.”
Bontag and Juluta are also accused of having ordered the killing of Cristito Villamor Palana; Palana is believed to be the one who communicated the murder order to Escoria, who identified Palana. Javier said Parana was suffocated by a member of his own gang with a plastic bag.
In addition, 10 prisoners were also criminally charged. Justice Department prosecutors will decide if there is enough evidence to file a complaint in court.
Responsible editor: Yu Weining
