DOJ says four persons of interest from Bilibid now with NBI

FILE PHOTO: DOJ logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday that four persons of interest in the Percy Lapid murder case have been turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Remulla said the four were inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

To date, authorities have in their custody eight persons of interest in the ambush-slay of the broadcaster: four with NBI, three with the police, and one, who is also from the NBP, with the military.

The persons of interest from the NBP or Bilibid were mentioned in the text message that the first middleman identified as Cristito Villamor Palaña, who was previously named Jun Globa Villamor and Crisanto Palaña Villamor, sent to his sister.

Bilibid is the country’s main penitentiary managed by the Bureau of Corrections under the DOJ.

In a text message to his sister identified as alias Marisa, Palaña mentioned individuals who might be involved in case he dies. The message was sent two hours after Palaña was taken to the NBP hospital where he was pronounced dead last October 18 – the same day confessed gunman Joel Escorial was presented to the public in a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Results of the autopsy conducted by the NBI showed no signs of external physical injuries on the remains of Palaña.

Forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun, meanwhile, has finished conducting the second autopsy on Palañas body.

“She will come up with a written report by Friday. Just give her time to prepare for the results of the autopsy. We can be able to discern from that,” Remulla said.

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