LAGIM: A Filipino True Crime

The Assassination of Percy (Lapid) Mabasa

In this, sadly, last episode of Lagim: A Filipino True Crime Podcast (for now), we look at the assassination of veteran broadcaster Percy Mabasa — better known as Percy Lapid. His killing in 2022 sent shockwaves through Philippine media, exposed a tangled network of alleged corruption, and raised urgent questions about the safety of journalists who dare to speak truth to power. In this episode, I walk you through the case: the planning, the attack, the claims and counter-claims that followed, and why the investigation gripped — and frustrated — so many Filipinos. As Lagim goes on hiatus, I wanted to feature a story that reflects exactly why this podcast exists: to shine a light on injustice, to remember victims, and to interrogate the systems that allow violence to thrive. Thank you for listening, for supporting independent storytelling, and for being part of this community. Until next time — ingat lagi. Support me through gifts and donations at BuyMeCoffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/juzewoba]. To never miss any Lagim update, please sign up to my newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/eb04c282e27f/sign-up-for-the-lagim-podcast-newsletter]. LAGIM is on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lagimpodcast], so make sure to check me out: Subscribe to LAGIM's YouTube channel [https://bit.ly/3rFdWCg]: Follow, rate and review LAGIM on Apple Podcasts [https://apple.co/3r3XjzT] and Spotify [https://spoti.fi/3qamBxl]: Sources are here [https://lagimpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-assassination-of-percy-lapid-mabasa.html]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

The Case of Ana Abulaban

In this episode of Lagim: A Filipino True Crime Podcast, we examine the harrowing case of Ana Abulaban, a Filipina mother whose life was cut short in a brutal double murder in San Diego. Her husband, Ali Abulaban—known online as TikTok personality “JinnKid”—was charged with her killing, along with the murder of a male friend she was with. We explore Ana’s background, her efforts to escape an increasingly toxic and abusive marriage, and how social media fame often hides the darker realities behind closed doors. This case sheds light on domestic violence, coercive control, and the tragic consequences of untreated emotional instability. Tune in for a deep dive into a case that gripped both the Filipino-American and true crime communities. There is help. If you are in the Philippines, please contact: Women's Care Center, Inc. 0917 825 032 / 0920 9677 852 / landline: 8514 4104/ email: wcc.inc.ph@gmail.com. If you are in the US, please contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline - tel:1.800.799.7233 If you are in Canada, please check this link [https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/get-help-now.html#PTCrisisLines]. Support me through gifts and donations at BuyMeCoffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/juzewoba]. To never miss any Lagim update, please sign up to my newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/eb04c282e27f/sign-up-for-the-lagim-podcast-newsletter]. LAGIM is on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lagimpodcast], so make sure to check me out: Subscribe to LAGIM's YouTube channel [https://bit.ly/3rFdWCg]: Follow, rate and review LAGIM on Apple Podcasts [https://apple.co/3r3XjzT] and Spotify [https://spoti.fi/3qamBxl]: Sources are here [https://lagimpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-case-of-ana-abulaban.html]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

The Disappearance of Lisa Marie Young ft. Laura Palmer of the Island Crime Podcast

In this special episode of LAGIM: A Filipino True Crime Podcast, I delve into a case that, at first glance, seems to have no ties to the Philippines. But dig a little deeper, and an unexpected connection begins to surface.  Lisa Marie Young was a vibrant, young Indigenous woman from Nanaimo, British Columbia. She was on the brink of major life changes when she vanished without a trace just before Canada Day in 2002. More than two decades later, no one has been arrested or held accountable for her disappearance. The last person seen with Lisa was Christopher William Adair—a man who has never been thoroughly investigated, arrested, or charged in connection with her case. Yet, many believe he may hold the answers to what truly happened on that fateful night in June 2002. Adair left Canada years ago and has since built a new life abroad. Today, it’s believed that he is living in the Philippines, having fallen in love with a Filipina and integrating into an expat community. Despite the silence he’s maintained over the years, Lisa’s family still hopes he’ll come forward—and finally offer the closure they so desperately deserve.  To bring more attention to this cold case, I speak with Laura Palmer, former executive producer at CBC Vancouver and the award-winning host of Island Crime, a podcast that has followed Lisa’s story for over five years. Laura shares deep insights into Lisa’s life, the investigation, and the elusive figure of Adair. We end this episode with a united call to action: If you or someone you know has any information about Christopher William Adair, please share this episode—or reach out to us directly. The answer to a decades-old mystery could lie right here, in our own community in the Philippines. Laura's email address is laura@laurapalmer.ca.  Lagim's email address is lagimpod@yahoo.com. My thanks go to Laura who has been extremely helpful with getting this episode off the ground. Please follow and listen to Island Crime, especially season 1, available right now on all your preferred podcasting platforms. Here is a link [https://open.spotify.com/show/20tF72k0Bbi3SmKIv83C8j] to its Spotify feed. Sources list is here [https://lagimpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-disappearance-of-lisa-marie-young.html]. Support me through gifts and donations at BuyMeCoffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/juzewoba]. To never miss any Lagim update, please sign up to my newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/eb04c282e27f/sign-up-for-the-lagim-podcast-newsletter]. LAGIM is on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lagimpodcast], so make sure to check me out: Subscribe to LAGIM's YouTube channel [https://bit.ly/3rFdWCg]: Follow, rate and review LAGIM on Apple Podcasts [https://apple.co/3r3XjzT] and Spotify [https://spoti.fi/3qamBxl]: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

The Stories of Flor Contemplacion and Sarah Balabagan

In this episode, I revisit two OFW stories that profoundly shaped how I understand many of the themes we often explore on this podcast. The cases of Flor Contemplacion and Sarah Balabagan — two Filipina domestic workers whose names became symbols of injustice, sacrifice, and national reckoning in the 1990s — shook the Philippines and made global headlines. Their stories exposed the harsh realities faced by many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and the ways systemic failure, diplomacy, and public outcry collide. Sources are here [https://lagimpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-stories-of-flor-contemplacion-and.html]. Support me through gifts and donations at BuyMeCoffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/juzewoba]. To never miss any Lagim update, please sign up to my newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/eb04c282e27f/sign-up-for-the-lagim-podcast-newsletter]. LAGIM is on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lagimpodcast], so make sure to check me out: Subscribe to LAGIM's YouTube channel [https://bit.ly/3rFdWCg]: Follow, rate and review LAGIM on Apple Podcasts [https://apple.co/3r3XjzT] and Spotify [https://spoti.fi/3qamBxl]: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

The Martial Law Series: The Manili Massacre and the Boyet and Primitivo Mijares Case

LagimFam, in this instalment of the Martial Law Series, I have a double feature. Firstly, I feature the case of the Manili Massacre, one of the many Marcos-era massacres that was perpetrated against the Bangsamoro People. This part of the podcast is heavy with historical context in order to undertand the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination better and trauma left by not only the Manili Massacre but all the atrocities inflicted on Muslim Filipinos. In the second part of the episode, I talk about the Boyet and Primitivo Mijares case, one of those Martial Law mysteries that we still do not have full answers to. From being in the Marcosian inner circle to becoming a defector, Primitivo Mijares,  dared to expose Marcos and his cronies and paid a very heavy price. Sources are here [https://lagimpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/04/martial-law-series-manili-massacre.html]. Support me through gifts and donations at BuyMeCoffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/juzewoba]. To never miss any Lagim update, please sign up to my newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/eb04c282e27f/sign-up-for-the-lagim-podcast-newsletter]. LAGIM is on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lagimpodcast], so make sure to check me out: Subscribe to LAGIM's YouTube channel [https://bit.ly/3rFdWCg]: Follow, rate and review LAGIM on Apple Podcasts [https://apple.co/3r3XjzT] and Spotify [https://spoti.fi/3qamBxl]: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lagim-a-filipino-true-crime--5701073/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].