Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benhur Abalos expressed his dismay over the death of an inmate allegedly involved in the murder of Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.
Abalos assured on Thursday, October 20, that authorities will investigate whether 'foul play caused the death of the 42-year-old inmate detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
The DILG chief said that the authorities would also check whether the inmate's death will impact the case.
"Hinayang na hinayang kami sa nangyari na ito. Sana maunawaan ng lahat na pinaghirapan ito ng kapulisan ang kaso na ito," Abalos said during a press conference.
"Meron autopsy na ginagawa ngayon at malaman muna namin yung autopsy. Dahil once talagang meron foul play dito, talagang galit kami. Galit na galit kami and we are demanding, kung mangyari iyon, ang managot ay kailangan managot," Abalos added.
Department of Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla Jr. revealed that the inmate, Crisanto Villamor, passed away last October 18.
"Ang sinasabi nila na he was rushed to the hospital at 2:30 (in the afternoon) unable to breath. They tried to revive him but he was dead," the DOJ chief told reporters.
Joel Escorial, who surrendered to the police and confessed to the murder of Lapid, revealed that the order to assassinate the broadcaster came from a person in the New Bilibid Prison.
