By Gabriela Baron
The suspected gunman of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, popularly known as Percy Lapid, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Joel Estorial, 39, said he voluntarily turned himself in to the Philippine National Police (PNP) “out of fear for his safety.”
“Natakot po ako, tsaka nakonsensiya po sa paggawa kay Percy Lapid po,” Estorial admitted.
Estorial also claimed that the order to kill Lapid allegedly came from inside the New Bilibid Prison. He added there were three other suspects, who are currently at large, behind the killing of Lapid.
READ MORE: Broadcast commentator Percy Lapid shot dead in Las Piñas
He then confessed they were paid a total of P550,000.
Estorial also sought the forgiveness of Lapid’s bereaved family.
“Sana mapatawad po ako. Hindi ko naman kagustuhan ‘yun, nadala lang ako ng kahirapan,” he added.
In a statement, Lapid’s family thanked the PNP for the surrender of Estorial.
“We hope this development leads to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the mastermind,” the statement read.
“We hope Percy does not become part of the statistics and continue to clamor for justice for Percy and the nearly 200 journalists killed since 1986.” Report from Patrick de Jesus –ag
