Marcos 'concerned' over killing of radio commentator

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 4) — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed concern over the killing of a journalist who was a known critic of his administration, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra said the chief executive was "concerned of what had happened to Percy Lapid," the radio commentator shot dead in his vehicle in Las Piñas City on Monday evening.

READ: Probes launched into killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid

"In fact, we have been instructed to take a look at the conduct of the investigation on the ambush of him last night," he said.

Guevarra said he would meet with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, as well as with the Southern Police District, to ensure the conduct of the investigation "proceeds without any problem and submit to us, report to us hopefully within the next seven days."

Calls for justice over the broadcaster's killing mounted on Tuesday, with several groups denouncing the shooting.

In a statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it has started its motu proprio investigation, stressing that "any threat or attack to press freedom is a direct threat to people's right to truth and information."