Initial findings show no foul play in death of ‘middleman’ in Percy Lapid slay —BuCor's Chaclag

Initial findings show no signs of physical external injuries on the body of the inmate who allegedly acted as a “middleman” in the plot to kill broadcaster Percy Lapid, which may indicate that no foul play was involved, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Friday.

On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the alleged middleman has passed away.

“[A]s per BuCor Health Service, Initial findings show no signs of physical external injuries which probably indicates a natural cause of death or no signs of foul play,” BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said in a text message to reporters.

“However, we are still awaiting the official and final autopsy result which will include a toxicology test that will be further conducted today to complete the autopsy. The final and official result will be released by the  NBI Medico-Legal team accordingly after all results come in,” he added.

BuCor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag identified the inmate to be 42-year-old Jun Villamor.

Chaclag said Villamor was brought to the New Bilibid Prison hospital due to loss of consciousness at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18.

Even though the hospital tried resuscitation process, Villamor was pronounced dead by 2 p.m. by the medical officer on duty.

He said the cadaver is currently at the eastern funeral service in Alabang where an autopsy was conducted by a National Bureau of Investigation Medico-Legal team.

Lapid, whose real name is Percival Mabasa and host of online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and columnist for Hataw, was shot dead by two men while on his way home in Las Piñas City on October 3.

His brother, Roy Mabasa expressed dismay over the death of the alleged middleman, saying that “someone must be held accountable.” —LBG, GMA News