A defendant in the Percy Lapid murder case dies – PNP

FILE PHOTO: PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, in this file photo on April 25, 2023. Former Bureau of Corrections official Ricardo Zulueta, who was named among respondents in the Percy Lapid murder case, has died, according to a report released to the media by the Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Saturday, March 16, 2024. INQUIRER.net /Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — A respondent in the Percy Lapid murder case has died, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday.

A report from the PNP indicated that Ricardo Zulueta was brought by his brother to the Bataan Peninsula Medical Center at 10 p.m. on Friday due to “heart failure.” Zulueta was declared dead an hour later.

The copy of the report was distributed to reporters by PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Saturday.

READ: Fourth person convicted over slay of Percy Lapid

Zulueta, a former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) official, and former BuCor chief Gerald Bantag were named as principal defendants in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, whose real name was Percival Mabasa, in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. Both are facing murder charges before the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court Branch 254.

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

The PNP said Zulueta’s remains were brought to Holy Life Funeral Services in Barangay New San Jose, Dinalupihan, Bataan, and later, to his residence at Barangay Mabiga, Hermos town also in Bataan province.

Lapid was the second journalist killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.