Photo courtesy from Bureau of Corrections

Department Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to launch a thorough investigation into the authenticity of the circulating death certificate of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, a key figure in the Percy Lapid Murder case alongside former BuCor Director-General Gerald Bantag.

Instructing the NBI to act swiftly, Remulla emphasized the urgency of uncovering the truth surrounding Zulueta's alleged demise.

As of now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has yet to receive a formal report from the NBI regarding Zulueta's supposed death.

"We are diligently examining the credibility of these reports and will keep the public informed once we receive updates from the NBI," stated Secretary Remulla.

In a separate development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stated that there is no indication of foul play in the death of former BuCor Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta.

According to reports, Zulueta was accompanied by his spouse before his passing. His sibling swiftly brought him to the hospital upon experiencing chest tightness, where he was pronounced dead.