The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been ordered to probe the reported death of former Bureau of Corrections Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, a co-accused in the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press release, said: “Unravel the truth, leave no stone unturned and don’t let anyone or anything prevent us from pursuing accountability and delivering justice.”
Remulla also directed the NBI to seek help from Dr. Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist, to determine Zulueta’s cause of death.
The DOJ, citing reports, said that Zulueta died shortly after he was brought to a hospital by his brother due to severe chest pains.
The DOJ however said Zulueta’s death certificate “showed that the cause of death was cerebrovascular disease intracranial hemorrhage which brings confusion as to the real cause of death.”
The Justice department also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to share with the DOJ its findings into the cause of Zulueta’s death.
According to the DOJ, Zulueta has a pending warrant of arrest along with former BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag over the alleged murder of Lapid and inmate Jun Villamor, an alleged middleman in the crime.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. lamented that Zulueta died before he could have been arrested and provided information on the Lapid case.
His death should also serve as a challenge to the PNP, said Abalos, adding that the PNP should exert more efforts to resolve the case.