Former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, one of the tagged masterminds in the killings of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor, has been receiving numerous threats against his life.

This was revealed by his legal counsel Lauro Gacayan in an interview with radio broadcaster Anthony Taberna during “Tune In Kay Tunying” which was live-streamed on Youtube on Monday, Dec. 19.

“Take note, Anthony. He showed me the text messages involving threats on his life. One of which was saying ‘Cornel Zulueta, hindi mo na maabot ang Christmas’ [you will not make it into Christmas],” he recalled.

Gacayan claimed that the threat might be coming from high-profile inmates who got furious with Zulueta and suspended BuCor General Director Bantag during their administration in BuCor.

“The theory is marami silang naapakan sa BuCor from the time that General Bantag and Cornel Zulueta took over [the] New Bilibid Prisons (NBP). The undeserved privileges ng mga high-profile inmates ay nawala. Pinasira at pina-demolish ang buildings where they are illegally occupying and where they are enjoying a life of luxury at that time. Naalis lahat ‘yan,” he said.

Last Dec. 16, Gacayan posted a photo of him with Zulueta on his Facebook account and clarified that his client is not dead or hiding abroad.

That was the first time that the former BuCor executive made a public appearance since murder complaints were charged against him for the death of Lapid and Villamor.

Also in the interview with Taberna, Gacayan said Zulueta disclosed to him that Bantag did not give “illegal orders” to kill Lapid and Villamor.

“He completely denied that [allegations],” he said.

The lawyer also firmly stated that Zulueta is innocent and that the latter had no connection with the said cases.

“Wala naman sinasabi si Percy Lapid against Cornel Zulueta [sa kaniyang radio program]. So there’s no reason [for him] to personally have [a] grudge against Percy Lapid,” he added.