DOJ investigating possibility that ‘middleman’s’ death may be murder

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it is investigating the possibility that the death of Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, may have been a case of murder.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the remark in an ambush interview when asked about the persons of interest under the custody of the DOJ.

“I cannot reveal that first. ‘Wag na muna nating pagusapan itong mga taong ito. Basta we’re trying to be thorough with the investigation. Some of them were named in the dying declaration of Jun Villamor,” Remulla said.

(I cannot reveal that first. Let’s not talk about these people for now. We’re trying to be thorough with the investigation. Some of them were named in the dying declaration of Jun Villamor.)

“The rest are tips given to us by other informants about being involved inside what transpired. Kaya we’re being thorough about it. Kasi nga, we’re not talking about one murder case na lang dito… the Jun Villamor case may be a possible murder case too. Kaya we’re also investigating that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Remulla reiterated that they are thoroughly investigating the case when asked about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remark that he is not convinced that Villamor died of natural causes.

Initial findings of the National Bureau of Investigation showed that Villamor suffered a hemorrhage in the heart. The report also indicated that the autopsy found “no apparent sign of external physical injury.”

“That’s why we’re being thorough. Kaya nga marami tayong kinakausap,” he said.

(That’s why we’re being thorough and why we’re talking to a lot of people.)

Lapid was shot dead while on his way home in Las Piñas City on October 3.

Complaints have been filed against his self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial and accomplices Israel Dimaculangan, Edmund Dimaculangan, and a certain Orly.

Meanwhile, Remulla said the DOJ will provide security to journalist Roy Mabasa, the brother of Percy Lapid.

“Yes, I talked to Roy. The police are guarding the house in Las Piñas. Laging dinadaanan ng pulis pero I talked to Roy, I’m working out his security now. And we’ll give him security. I just talked to him last night,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News