Alleged ‘middleman’ in murder of Percy Lapid buried in Leyte town

TACLOBAN CITY — The alleged middleman in the killing of hard-hitting radioman Percy Lapid (real name: Percival Mabasa) was laid to rest at a public cemetery in Javier town, Leyte on Wednesday.

Cristito Palaña, formerly identified by authorities as Jun or Crisanto Villamor, was brought to his resting place at 9:20 a.m., November 9.

Among those who joined the funeral were his father, sister, and a few relatives who wore white-colored shirts.

Palaña’s father, in a brief interview, reiterated his appeal for justice.

READ: TIMELINE: Veteran radioman Percy Lapid’s slay case

“We continue to demand that justice be served. We hope that those responsible for his death will answer for the consequences of their actions,” he said.

Palaña’s father, whose name was withheld for security purposes, declined to answer further questions from the media.

Javier town police chief Lt. Nikcy Bermudo said they provided security to those who attended the funeral.

“There was no threat whatsoever. The funeral was peaceful,” he said.

READ: What we know so far: Bantag and those linked to Percy Lapid, middleman slays

Palaña was imprisoned in 2018 due to a drug-related complaint.

He was found dead inside the New Bilibid Prison on October 18, the same day confessed gunman Joel Escorial was presented to the media at Camp Crame in Quezon City following his surrender to authorities.

An independent autopsy by top forensic pathologist, Raquel Fortun on the body of Palaña, showed that the inmate may have suffocated from a plastic bag placed over his head, as his body did not show signs of injury.