LAPID SLAY SUSPECT KILLS SELF – POLICE

ONE of the suspects in the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa on Sunday allegedly shot himself dead while about to be arrested by the police in Lipa City, Batangas.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.  told a radio interview that suspect Jake “Orly” Mendoza, 40, of Baco, Oriental Mindoro killed himself.

The incident happened while authorities were serving a warrant of arrest against the suspect.

Mendoza reportedly held his wife and child hostage in  Purok 4, Bgy. Lumbang in Lipa City.

Police said the suspect eventually released his wife and child before killing himself.

“Hindi sya sumuko. Nakipag-negotiate tayo hanggang umabot ng alas kwatro ng madaling araw,” Nartatez said.

A cousin of the suspect and a negotiator helped in the negotiation.

During negotiation, Mendoza went to the bathroom and shot himself, according to the official.

In May, the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court sentenced  to 16 years Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman of Lapid.

The broadcaster was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assassins near his residence in Las Piñas in October 2022.