Several senators have expressed their concern over the death of the "middleman" who contracted confessed gunman Joel Escorial into killing Percival Mabasa, known as broadcaster "Percy Lapid."

In a chance interview at the Senate, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III stressed that "something is wrong" with the recent turn of events in the murder case.

"I was about to congratulate the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government because they were able to make the gunman surrender and name his cohorts," Pimentel told journalists.

"However, now they're telling us the suspected middleman was already dead. Instead of praising them, I might set aside it first because something is wrong. There is something mysterious that is happening," he added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla announced on Thursday the death of Crisanto Palana Villamor Jr., the alleged middleman who ordered the hit.

Remulla said the 42-years-old Villamor died on 18 October — hours after Escorial was presented to the public by the PNP and the DILG as the confessed gunman of Mabasa.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said the death of the alleged middleman in the killing "strikes a tragic blow to our justice system."

Poe said it was a shame for the family and friends of Mabasa that they have to deal with a "drawn-out investigation."

"We have lost a vital link in solving the murder. This death will further hinder the due process," she said.

The lady lawmaker urged the Bureau of Corrections to immediately investigate the newest death linked to the case and find new evidence to determine the mastermind of the killings.

"These unsolved murders will only add to the grim statistics on media killings and further embolden wrongdoers," she said.

"However, I am still hopeful that justice will prevail and that we will have answers soon. We will continue watching and holding authorities accountable for the sake of public order and safety," she added.