Defying widespread suspicions, the National Bureau of Investigation released findings ruling out foul play in the death, while in detention, of Jun Globa Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

An autopsy revealed no gunshot wound or any external physical injury on the National Bilibid Prison inmate who officially died of a heart problem.

In a memorandum dated 20 October, NBI medico-legal officer Marivic Villarin-Floro, who is also the Task Force Villamor leader, said there was "no gunshot wound, no recovery" and "no apparent sign of external physical injury" on the body of Villamor when it was examined by the NBI.

"The heart showed a hemorrhagic area over the left ventricle. The mitral valve is sclerotic, which could indicate previous illnesses or valvular infection," the memo provided by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday morning indicated.

The memo cited the findings of the autopsy.

BBM vows media protection

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is "strongly committed" in protecting and ensuring the safety of journalists in the country, Malacañang said on Saturday.

"Be assured that President Marcos continues to acknowledge the media as a vital pillar of our democracy," Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said during the conference initiated by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos for the Philippine National Police and national media organizations.

"He remains committed to protecting you and recognizes the important role you play in nation-building," she added.

Velicaria-Garafil said the chief executive is fully aware of the vital role of journalists in nation-building, adding that their welfare is of utmost concern to the government.

The OPS made the statement in the wake of the killing of veteran radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, known to his listeners as Percy Lapid, who was critical of the former and present administrations.

According to the report, tissue samples have been collected for tests. On 18 October, Villamor died at 2:05 p.m. at the New Bilibid Prison Hospital after he was rushed to the hospital allegedly due to the loss of consciousness," according to Bureau of Corrections spokesperson Assistant Secretary Gabriel Chaclag.

He said the NBP Hospital supposedly conducted cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on Villamor but he was later pronounced dead.

His body was later taken to the Eastern Funeral Homes where he was autopsied.

No inconsistency

The test found "post-mortem lividity" or the settling of blood in the thorax, particularly on the shoulders, and on the left lower extremity.

"The pronouncement of death is consistent with the time of death," the NBI medico-legal team concluded.

Also, the NBI examined and dissected Villamor's neck and internal structures but the findings were "unremarkable."

Villamor also tested negative for Covid-19 after a rapid antigen test was conducted.

The NBI apart from the autopsy also collected fingerprint impressions and conducted a dental examination and paraffin tests.

The memo said the paraffin test yielded a "negative result" although an official result will be released in 2 days.

Remulla said, "We have to ask the doctor," when asked if the NBI is ruling out a foul play based on the result of the autopsy.

The death of the alleged middleman in the killing of Lapid became controversial because he died hours after he was identified by Joel Escorial when he surrendered.

The fiery Lapid was killed while on his way home to a subdivision in Las Piñas City on 3 October.