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NBI starts looking into death of accused in murder of Percy Lapid

Philippines | National

NBI starts looking into death of accused in murder of Percy Lapid

By Jeffrey Damicog

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun looking into the death of a fugitive in the 2022 killing of radio broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" C. Mabasa, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Sunday, March 17.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said the NBI made the move pursuant to the directive issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to examine the body of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) deputy security officer Ricardo S. Zulueta.

“The NBI was able to get photographs and fingerprints (of Zulueta) with the consent of the wife,” Clavano said.

He assured that more information will be revealed following updates from the NBI.

Zulueta and former BuCor director general Gerald Q. Bantag have been charged with murder before the Las Pinas City Regional Trial Court for the killing of Mabasa. The trial court had issued an arrest order against the two accused who remained at large.

Zulueta and Bantag are also facing murder charges before the Muntinlupa City trial court over the killing of New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmate Cristito Villamor Palana, also known as Jun Villamor, who has been identified as one of the middlemen who hired the hitmen of Mabasa.

Last Saturday, March 16, Remulla ordered the NBI to conduct an in-depth investigation into the authenticity of the circulating death certificate of Zulueta.

“Exert greater efforts, act swiftly, delve deeply and uncover the truth by all means possible,” Remulla told the NBI.

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