The family of Percy Lapid, a slain broadcaster also known as Percival Mabasa, expressed their expectation of the conviction of Denver Mayores, who pleaded guilty to being an accessory in the murder of the radioman on October 8, 2022. However, the family is now questioning when the arrest of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and the other accused will take place. Roy Mabasa, Percy’s younger brother, stated, “The bigger question is still about Bantag and the other accused: When are they going to be arrested?” as reported by The Manila Times.
Mayores, an inmate at New Bilibid Prison (NBP), was sentenced on December 4 to an additional two to eight years in jail by Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Judge Harold Huliganga. Judge Huliganga acknowledged Mayores’ involvement in the murder, along with Bantag and deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, as he pronounced the sentence. Mayores was found to have cooperated in the killing by providing video recordings of Lapid from Zulueta to the group responsible for finding the hitman.
The Department of Justice (DoJ) released a statement highlighting the significance of Mayores’ conviction. It stated that Mayores’ conviction “underscores the complex web of involvement in Lapid’s assassination.” This development follows the convictions of three other NBP gang leaders—Aldrin Galicia, Alvin Labra, and Alfie Peñaredonda—who were also found guilty of being accessories to Lapid’s murder.
Further convictions have been made in relation to Cristito Villamor Palana, the alleged middleman in Lapid’s murder. The DoJ is closely monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings. Joel Escorial, the alleged gunman, is seeking to reduce his sentence and be transferred to Abuyog prison in Leyte before making his plea, with his case expected to be promulgated in February 2024. State prosecutors are currently evaluating the potential impact of reducing Escorial’s charges from murder to homicide.
The DoJ considers these series of convictions as a critical point in its pursuit of justice in the high-profile murders of Lapid and Villamor. It is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a thorough and fair legal process in these cases.
In a separate development, on April 12, 2023, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 issued a warrant of arrest against Bantag and Zulueta.
This latest update brings some closure to the family of Percy Lapid, as one of the individuals involved in his murder has been convicted. However, the pursuit of justice is far from over, as the family and the public await the arrest and trial of the remaining accused. The involvement of high-ranking officials in this case raises concerns about the extent of corruption within the Bureau of Corrections and the need for a thorough investigation to hold all those responsible accountable.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that a fair and transparent process is followed. The convictions of Mayores and other accomplices serve as a reminder that justice can be achieved, even in complex cases. The commitment of the Department of Justice to pursue these cases diligently is a positive step towards restoring faith in the justice system and providing closure to the victims’ families.
Source: The Manila Times
