WATCH: PNP ‘ready’ to provide security for journalists under threat

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday, October 10, that it was “ready” to provide security for journalists under threat following the killing of radio journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.

PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. told journalists to report immediately to authorities if they feel any threat against their security.

“It would be better na impormahan ‘nyo kami so we can provide you security. Kung meron kayong suspect na napaghihinalaan, maimbestigahan natin. At kung kailangan na magkaroon kayo ng security, we’ll provide,” he said.

(It would be better to inform us so we can provide you security. If you suspect anyone, we’ll investigate. And if you need security, we will provide.)

Lapid, a staunch critic of the former president Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was shot dead in Las Piñas on October 3. In his radio program, which was also streamed on his popular YouTube channel, Lapid often criticized the two administrations and its officials.  

On Friday, October 7, the PNP said they had already identified a person of interest in the killing of the popular radio commentator. – Rappler.com