AN independent autopsy for former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta has been requested by veteran journalist Roy Mabasa, sibling of late Percy Lapid who was killed by gunmen on way home in Las Pinas City, last year.
Zulueta, according to police reports, died of heart attack.
Mabasa took to Twitter, suggesting that such an autopsy could alleviate public doubts regarding the authenticity of Zulueta’s demise.
Additionally, Mabasa urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to launch a comprehensive inquiry into Zulueta’s alleged death.
“We urge the PNP to determine the true cause of his demise, given his initial implication in the @lapidfire murder case. An independent autopsy report would reassure the public of our commitment to uncovering the truth,” he tweeted.
Percy Lapid was a DWBL radio commentator who was shot dead at the gate of BF Resort Village in Talon Dos, Las Piñas City on October 3 2022, while on his way home.
Lapid hosted a radio commentary show called “Lapid Fire,” where he denounced fake news, red-tagging, and government corruption.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to authenticate reports suggesting the demise of Zulueta.
Remulla’s directive aims to verify the validity of Zulueta’s purported death certificate, which has been circulating online.
“We urge intensified efforts, prompt action, thorough investigation, and the pursuit of truth through all available means. Time is of the essence,” Remulla said.
“We are currently assessing the credibility of these reports and will provide updates to the public once we receive official confirmation from the NBI,” he added.
Zulueta allegedly instructed an inmate at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan to execute the Lapid assassination order issued by Bantag, which was subsequently carried out by self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial.
Additionally, Zulueta faced charges alongside Bantag in connection with a fatal grenade explosion at the Parañaque City Jail in 2016, resulting in the deaths of 10 inmates.
However, both were acquitted, along with another prison officer, due to insufficient evidence.
