MANILA, Philippines- The new Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge, Cheloy Garafil, expressed his condolences to the family of murdered radio commentator Percival Mabasa, better known as Percy Lapid, at the Manila Memorial in Parañaque City this Friday .
According to Garafil, the visit is a personal trip, because he has been friends with Roy Mabasa for a long time, a friend of the journalist who was killed in the shooting on Monday.
“I came here because Roy is a friend. We used to cover DFA and police beat. I don’t know Percy personally, but of course I am concerned for the family,” the acting press secretary explained.
“We will always be one with the media. And we are putting interest and their rights and joining the industry to protect the media practitioners in the country,” he added.
Garafil also called for justice for the slain broadcaster.
“I hope truth will come out and justice will be served… The police will play a major role in this. And I understand that there is some development in the case, in identifying the killers. I hope it will continue to solve the tragic end,” he said.
In a press briefing this Friday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) showed the photo from the CCTV of the “person of interest” in the shooting of the 63-year-old radio commentator.
The new official admitted that his position will be difficult but he is ready for the first official day on October 10.
“The OPS office is very important. He has many associated issues and responsibilities. So of course there is a lot of pressure, but give me this weekend to rest and relax so that we can compete on Monday,” he said. RNT/SA
The post OPS-OIC called for the protection of journalists appeared first on REMATE ONLINE.