Mastermind in Percy Lapid slay identified? Remulla says very possible

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said it is very possible that they have identified the mastermind behind the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

Remulla made the remark in an ambush interview as he expressed hope that proper cases will be filed by the end of next week. 

“It’s very satisfactory. I think we made a lot of progress. I think that we can— the proper cases can be filed by the end of next week, hopefully,” he said.

Asked if this meant that the mastermind has been identified, Remulla said it was “very possible.”

“It’s possible, very possible. We have to evaluate everything properly pa. Basta ako, I’m just guiding the investigation,” he said.

He had said that four persons of interest (POI) in the case have given their statements.

“I want to look at the affidavits kasi isa lang naman na witness ko. I only witnessed one,” the Justice secretary said.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano earlier said that another POI from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to give his statement today.

Remulla said the statements supported each other so far.

Meanwhile, Remulla said forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun may be ready to present the results of her autopsy on the body of Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing, on Saturday.

“I think she should be ready by tomorrow,” he said.

Initial findings of the first autopsy conducted by National Bureau of Investigation showed that Villamor suffered a hemorrhage in the heart. The report also indicated that the autopsy found “no apparent sign of external physical injury.”

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3.—AOL, GMA News