The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief expressed his confidence that their investigation behind the death of broadcaster Percival Mabasa a.k.a. “Percy Lapid” is inching closer to pinpointing the mastermind, given the evidence that they have.
He also stated that the sister of suspected intermediary Cristito Villamor Palaña provided critical information to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“I think the evidence that we are getting are leading us closer po to the mastermind of the case because we already have in our custody Joel Escorial and some information are coming in from the different sectors,” said PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. in an interview with ANC.
Crisanto or Jun Villamor were originally named as Palaña. He died at the New Bilibid Prison on the same day that claimed hitman Escorial confessed to killing Mabasa in front of the media.
“We are really getting closer po dun sa goal natin na ma-identify who really ordered the killing of sir Percy Mabasa,” said Gen. Azurin.
The PNP head also stated that foul play might have played a role in Palaña’s death.
“Dahil nga po sa sinabi ko na parang napaka-incidental naman na kung kailan pa kami nag-coordinate sa kanila initially to secure po ‘yung supposedly na middleman ay bigla ho namatay. Bakit hindi ho nila sinecure ‘yung tao? Ang nangyari, namatay po on the day na ongoing po ‘yung press release ng aming DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) secretary,” said Gen. Azurin.
