Forensic tests done on Lapid’s cell phone

MANILA, Philippines — Police investigators have obtained the cell phone of slain radio commentator and columnist Percy Lapid, which was submitted for digital forensics examination to find clues on who might have masterminded the murder.

Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said Lapid’s mobile phone was turned over to the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) for examination.

Kraft said they are still waiting for the initial findings of the ACG.

Probers also submitted footage from the dashcam installed in Lapid’s car and another video from closed-circuit television (CCTV) for enhancement of the suspects’ images.

“In a few days siguro medyo maganda na ang magiging development in the case,” Kraft told reporters.

Lapid, 63, whose real name is Percival Mabasa, was driving his car when he was gunned down in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas on Monday night.

He died at the scene from two gunshots to the ear.

Kraft said they have yet to determine if the killing was related to Lapid’s job.

“We are looking into all possible angles – if this was work-related or personal grudge,” he said.

Lapid’s family told police that they did not receive any threats to their security before he was killed.

Kraft said they are ready to secure the radio broadcaster’s family.

On Wednesday, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos offered a P500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Lapid’s killers.

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) formed to look into the case has secured all available CCTV footage of the incident. 

Probers said they are reconstructing the possible routes the suspects have taken before and after the ambush.

The SITG said it is still looking for witnesses to identify the assailants.

“Investigators are focused on identifying the motorcycle-riding gunmen recorded on video,” the task group said.

The Cagayan De Oro press club condemned the killing of Lapid.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara yesterday visited the wake of Lapid at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

Bersamin and Guevarra assured the victim’s family that authorities are investigating his death.

“The investigation will proceed without impediments,” Bersamin said. “Everything will be done to get to the bottom of this.”

On Tuesday, Guevarra said Malacañang ordered police to provide updates on the probe within seven days.

President Marcos assured the media that the government would be its “partner.” – Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Gerry Lee Gorit, Alexis Romero