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DILG Lauds Conviction Of Three Middlemen In Percy Lapid Murder Case
Photo credit: Benhur Abalos
The efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been applauded by DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. following the recent conviction of three middlemen in the Percy Lapid murder case. Aldrin Galicia, Alvin Labra, and Alfie Peñaredonda, leaders of the Sputnik, Batang City Jail, and Happy Go Lucky gangs in the New Bilibid Prison, pleaded guilty as accessories to the murder of journalist Percival Mabasa, known by his alias "Percy Lapid," before the Regional Trial Court of Las Piñas City on Friday.
Secretary Abalos expressed his appreciation, saying, "From the beginning, the police exerted herculean efforts to solve this case, in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)."
The PNP played a crucial role in the investigation, starting from the discovery of CCTV footage that led to the identification of the gunman, Joel Escorial. Through relentless pressure and investigative efforts, the PNP successfully apprehended Escorial, who subsequently confessed to the crime. The investigation further revealed a vast criminal network involved in the murder.
Percy Lapid was tragically gunned down outside his subdivision in Las Piñas on October 3, 2022. The self-confessed killer, Joel Escorial, turned himself in to authorities on October 17, 2022, and implicated Bilibid inmate Jun Villamor as his recruiter. The following day, Jun Villamor was found dead in his cell under suspicious circumstances, allegedly to silence him.
In connection to the murders of Lapid and Villamor, the DOJ charged former Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta as principals. Both Bantag and Zulueta are currently fugitives and subject to a government manhunt.
Secretary Abalos also expressed his gratitude to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the NBI, stating, "Our agencies' joint efforts enabled us to crack this case quickly. This is a sterling example of the effectiveness of our whole-of-government approach."
Secretary Abalos expressed his appreciation, saying, "From the beginning, the police exerted herculean efforts to solve this case, in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)."
The PNP played a crucial role in the investigation, starting from the discovery of CCTV footage that led to the identification of the gunman, Joel Escorial. Through relentless pressure and investigative efforts, the PNP successfully apprehended Escorial, who subsequently confessed to the crime. The investigation further revealed a vast criminal network involved in the murder.
Percy Lapid was tragically gunned down outside his subdivision in Las Piñas on October 3, 2022. The self-confessed killer, Joel Escorial, turned himself in to authorities on October 17, 2022, and implicated Bilibid inmate Jun Villamor as his recruiter. The following day, Jun Villamor was found dead in his cell under suspicious circumstances, allegedly to silence him.
In connection to the murders of Lapid and Villamor, the DOJ charged former Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta as principals. Both Bantag and Zulueta are currently fugitives and subject to a government manhunt.
Secretary Abalos also expressed his gratitude to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the NBI, stating, "Our agencies' joint efforts enabled us to crack this case quickly. This is a sterling example of the effectiveness of our whole-of-government approach."
Jun 27, 2023
