NBP inmate linked to Percy Lapid slay dies of apparent heart attack

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the death of New Bilibid Prison inmate Crisanto Villamor Jr., identified as the alleged middleman in the assassination of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

Villamor died on October 18 at the NBP hospital, with initial findings and an NBI autopsy showing no signs of external physical injuries, though his heart showed a hemorrhagic area over the left ventricle.

Hours before his death, Villamor was identified by self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial as allegedly involved in the murder, along with Christopher Bacoto.

Escorial surrendered on October 17 and alleged that the orders came from inside the New Bilibid Prison and that the group was paid P550,000 for the killing.

The Southern Police District has identified and secured a second middleman in the killing, who is an inmate at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility.

Roy Mabasa, Percy Lapid's brother, expressed sadness and confusion over Villamor's death, fearing it will hinder the investigation.

The family of Percy Lapid wants an independent autopsy done on the body of Crisanto Villamor Jr., the alleged middleman named by self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial.

The Justice Secretary has directed the NBI to investigate Villamor's death and conduct an autopsy, with final results pending.