Azurin not discounting foul play in death of middleman in Percy Lapid slay

Philippine National Police chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday expressed doubt on the sudden death of an inmate in New Bilibid Prison who allegedly acted as middleman in the killing of journalist Percy Lapid.

At a press briefing, Azurin questioned the timing of the death of Crisanto Villamor as the investigation into Lapid's killing is ongoing.

“Most probably, kasi sabi ko nga it's too much of an incident, it's an unfortunate incident but it's questionable. The timing is questionable,” he said when asked if he was still not discounting the possibility of foul play.

Earlier, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said initial findings show no sign of physical injuries on Villamor's body.

Azurin also questioned earlier reports that Villamor allegedly died in his sleep at noon time.

He said he used to visit Bilibid when he was a police captain and it is impossible for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to sleep during noon in the jail facility as it is congested.

He added he is also considering the possibility that someone from the Bilibid killed the middleman.

On October 18, self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial was presented to the media following his surrender.

He identified several persons involved in the plot to kill Lapid including two middlemen, identified as Crisanto Villamor and Christopher Bacoto, who are detained at the Bilibid and a jail facility under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) respectively.

On October 20, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Villamor died inside the Bilibid on October 18.

Lapid, Percival Mabasa in real life, host of an online broadcast program and columnist for a tabloid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3.

Meanwhile, Azurin said the PNP does not recommend Escorial to be a state witness in the case and to be under the Witness Protection Program.

He said the Department of Justice will decide whether Escorial will be under the WPP based on its own parameters. The PNP will only make recommendations on the matter, he added.—AOL, GMA News