One of the suspects in the killing of media personality Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa died after shooting himself while authorities were serving his arrest warrant at Lipa City, Batangas on Sunday morning.
National Capital Region Police Office Chief PMGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that a manhunt operation was carried out to arrest Orly Mendoza, who was a key figure in the murder of Percy Lapid.
Nartatez said that the suspect acted as the driver of the motorcycle used by Gunman Joel Escorial during the actual killing. He also participated in the planning and Surveillance of the victim together with Escorial and Dimaculangan brothers, Edmon and Israel.
After months of investigation and gathering of information, a Case Operational Plan (COPLAN) named “CEZAR” was crafted.
The operation was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group- Regional Intelligence Division (RSOG-RID), NCRPO; PRO4A, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) PRO4A; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Special Action Force (SAF), and the Lipa City Police Station.
Nartatez reported that while operatives were executing the arrest warrant, the suspect, who was armed, refused to surrender and took his live-in partner and child hostage.
"The situation led to a prolonged negotiation process, involving local officials such as the barangay captain and family members," Nartatez said in a statement.
The negotiation led to the safe release of the hostages. However, shortly after, the suspect took his own life in front of the negotiators and family members.
Despite this, the NCRPO has pledged to remain dedicated to securing justice for Percy Lapid.
In May of this year, gunman Escorial was sentenced to a maximum of 16 years in prison.
