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| Photo by the Author |
We strongly condemn this deplorable crime. It was committed not only against Percy, his family, and his profession, but against our country, his beloved Philippines, and the truth.
This was the statement released by the family of the slain journalist Percy Lapid, an outcry demanding accountability and justice for Lapid's tragic death.
Percy Lapid, a radio commentator known for his scathing commentary towards the government, was shot by two men on a motorcycle in Las Pinas, Metro Manila last October 3, 2022. His murder brought an amplified call for authorities to act against increasing threats towards several media workers in the Philippines.
Upon further investigation of Lapid’s case, authorities found out an intricate web of personalities was involved in the said killing. The PNP and NBI handling Lapid's case announced allegations that the Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Batang and his right-hand deputy secretary, Ricardo Zuelta as the masterminds behind the killing.
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| Photo by Rappler |
Lapid is one of the 197 journalists killed since the restoration of a democratic government in 1986. The work of journalists, especially in bringing out the truth, always carries its risks and struggles. The right to truth is affirmed by the knowledge of the details of an event, its intricacies, circumstances, and other factors at play. The best way this agenda is upheld was specified in the 2009 Report of the office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, namely the practices relating to archives and records, cross-sectioning these to the gross violations, and using them on creating concrete pieces of evidence to connect the victims and other people involved within the trials of violations is a must. However, to do one's job as a journalist will often incur the scorn of others, for better or worse.
This is the reason why safeguarding the media from danger as they fulfill their roles in society is important. Our society is in need of figures that will go out of their way to extract the truth from even the most treacherous places because it is our right to be informed of such.
Hence, today, March 24, 2023, we celebrate the International Day for the Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. This day reminds us of the importance of upholding the truth and fighting for justice that is being denied to the victims of gross and systematic human rights violations.
It is chiefly important to put to mind that the veil of ignorance is perpetuated when violent acts in society are neglected or ignored. Thus, deciding to ignore the inhumane killings of journalists like Lapid further contributes to the culture of impunity and disregards the rights they have died defending. Moreover, another reason to participate in this kind of commemoration is so that we may foster a sense of conscientiousness about the past, present, and future. We owe it to ourselves, to others, and to those who have given their lives fighting for the truth.
We also commemorate Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero for his courageous commitment as he fought against the military government’s heavy-handed tactics of oppression of the poor. His rightful dedication to defending the poor resulted in his assassination at the Hospital de la Divina Providencia. Only through an investigation was it revealed that his assailants were a right-wing pro-government political party.
It is imperative that Lapid’s case be brought to light. His contributions to bringing the truth to Filipinos are a sacrifice not many will be brave enough to take, but will never fail to inspire us. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, may we all remember that “the truth is an empowering and healing force. We embrace it for the past, the present, and the future."
