NBI secures fingerprints, photos of defendant in Lapid slay case

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has secured fingerprints and photographs of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta — a respondent in the Percy Lapid murder case — who the police said died due to heart failure last March 15.

Although he did not specify more details on Zulueta’s death, Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said on Sunday that he will release an update once the results are out. 

“The NBI was able to get photographs and fingerprints with the consent of the wife. I will update as soon as the results come in,” Clavano told reporters in a message. 

Zulueta’s death was reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which indicated that he was brought by his brother to the Bataan Peninsula Medical Center at 10 p.m. and was declared dead an hour later.

 Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he has yet to receive the formal report on the death as he directed the NBI  to investigate the authenticity of Zulueta’s supposed death definitively.

“Exert greater efforts, act swiftly, delve deep and uncover the truth by all means possible. This calls for action the soonest possible time,” Remulla said. 

“We are still looking into the veracity of these reports and will update the public as soon as we receive word from the NBI,” he further said. 

Lapid was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding assailants on October 3, 2022, along Aria Street, Barangay (village) Talon Dos, Las Pinas City.