DOJ orders NBI to look into circumstances of Zulueta’s death

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. (File Photo: Boying Remulla/Facebook)

MANILA – An investigation has been ordered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta.

Tagged as among the brains behind the Oct. 3, 2022 slay of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, the 42-year-old Zulueta died at the Bataan Peninsula Medical Center in Dinalupihan town on the night of March 15, 2024, according to official reports.

In a statement on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been ordered to get to the bottom of the reported death.

“Reports claim that Zulueta was brought to the hospital by his brother because of severe chest pains then died shortly after he was brought to the hospital. However, his death certificate showed that the cause of death was cerebrovascular disease intracranial hemorrhage which brings confusion as to the real cause of death,” Remulla noted.

“We urge the Philippine National Police to share with the DOJ its findings, as well, as the cause of Zulueta’s death,” he said.

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

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

The Philippine National Police on Monday said there was no foul play in the death of Zulueta.

Zulueta had a standing arrest warrant, along with former BuCor director Gerald Bantag, for murder charges issued by the Muntinlupa and Las Piñas regional trial courts for the killing of Mabasa and the death of New Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito Villamor Palaña (alias Jun Villamor).

Villamor died Oct. 18, 2022 inside the Muntinlupa City penal colony hours after confessed gunman Joel Escorial surrendered and identified the former as the middleman in the assassination.