Remulla to NBI: Unravel truth on death of Percy Lapid slay co-accused Zulueta

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to get to the bottom of the death of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, one of the accused in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

Police reports initially said that Zulueta died due to heart failure after he was rushed to the hospital. . However, his death certificate showed that his cause of death was cerebrovascular disease intracranial hemorrhage, which means there was bleeding in his head.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said this “brings confusion as to the real cause of death” of Zulueta.

Remulla also told the NBI to seek the advice of a forensic pathologist if necessary.

“To dispel doubts and rumors, once and for all, the DOJ is also contemplating seeking Dr. Raquel Fortun’s expertise  to conduct an autopsy on Zulueta’s remains,” Remulla said

“Unravel the truth, leave no stone unturned and don’t let anyone or anything prevent us from pursuing accountability and delivering justice,” he added.

He also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to share its findings with the DOJ.

For its part, the PNP had said that there was no foul play in the death of Zulueta.

Last year, Zulueta was charged in court, along with former BuCor chief Gerald Bantag, with two counts of murder over the killing of Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor.

A Muntinlupa court and a Las Piñas court issued arrest warrants against the two in April 2023.

Zulueta was in hiding prior to being rushed to the hospital. Bantag, meanwhile, remains at large.

The DOJ previously said a cash reward of P2 million will be given for information on the whereabouts of Bantag while P1 million would have been given for Zulueta.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022, while Villamor died at the NBP on October 18.

An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun showed the remains of Villamor to have a “history of asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation.” — RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News