DOJ orders NBI to probe Zulueta's suspicious death

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the death of Ricardo Zulueta, one of the accused in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

Initially, police reports stated that Zulueta died from heart failure, but his death certificate revealed cerebrovascular disease with intracranial hemorrhage, indicating a head bleed, which has raised questions about the cause of death.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed confusion over the discrepancy and is considering seeking forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun's expertise to conduct an autopsy on Zulueta's remains.

Remulla emphasized that the investigation should leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice and accountability, urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) to share its findings with the DOJ.

Zulueta was charged alongside former BuCor chief Gerald Bantag for two counts of murder in connection with Lapid's killing on October 3, 2022, and alleged middleman Jun Villamor’s death on October 18, 2022.