Other countries follow Canada and Netherlands in expressing ‘grave concern’

Other countries follow Canada and Netherlands in expressing ‘grave concern’

European union flag, official colors and proportion correctly. Vector illustration. EPS10.

On the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid

The French, British, Danish, German embassies, and the European Union’s (EU) mission, have followed the lead of Canada and the Netherlands in expressing “grave concern” over the killing of Percy Lapid.

Canada and the Netherlands, co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, had earlier issued a joint statement of on the killing.

The following are the respective statements of the other governments conveyed on Twitter:

“The Embassy of France in the Philippines expresses its solidarity with the family of Mr. Mabasa. It supports the declaration by the Media Freedom Coalition co-chairs,” the French embassy wrote on Twitter. “France reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of journalists,” the statement added.

“[UK in the Philippines] fully supports the statement of the Media Freedom Coalition. We urge the Filipino authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of the killing of Percival Mabasa are brought to justice and to create a safe environment for all journalists in the Philippines,” the British Embassy in Manila also tweeted.

“The Danish Embassy supports the statement by @CanEmbPH and @NLinPhilippines [Canadian and Dutch embassies], co-chairs of the @MediaFreedomC [Media Freedom Coalition], on the killing of broadcast commentator and journalist, Percival Mabasa,” Denmark’s embassy wrote on Twitter.

“The EU in the Philippines supports the statement issued by the Canadian and Dutch embassies on the killing of journalist Percival Mabasa,” the European Union’s mission in the Philippines wrote.
“[Germany] remains committed to advocate for freedom of the press & of speech. Those responsible for this crime must be brought to justice,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel penned.

Lapid was killed on Monday night outside a village in Las Piñas by two men on motorcycle, on his way to a radio broadcast. (MAG)