What Role Did Notorious Public Enemy No. 1 Ben Ulo Play in Pepsi Paloma’s Sudden Silence?

Forty years have passed since the tragic and mysterious death of young actress Pepsi Paloma, yet the controversy surrounding her continues to haunt Philippine pop culture. Now, with new discussions resurfacing and online sleuths connecting long-forgotten dots, one shocking question emerges: What role—if any—did alleged criminal figure Ben Ulo play in silencing Pepsi Paloma?

Once labeled Public Enemy No. 1, Ben Ulo has always been a shadowy figure in the background of Philippine politics, entertainment, and underground dealings. Known for his links to extortion, corruption, and even alleged murder-for-hire rings in the 1980s and 1990s, his name was feared in both legal and criminal circles. While he was never directly linked to showbiz scandals—until now—the revival of the Pepsi Paloma case is shedding new light on connections once considered impossible.

A Cold Case That Refuses to Die

Pepsi Paloma was just 17 when she died in 1985, her body found hanging in her apartment in what authorities quickly ruled a suicide. But even then, doubts were cast. Just three years earlier, she had accused three of the most powerful figures in Philippine entertainment—Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Richie D’Horsie—of rape. The scandal rocked the nation, made headlines for months, and threatened to dismantle the careers of those involved.

But before the case could go to trial, Pepsi Paloma suddenly signed an affidavit of desistance, withdrawing her accusations. Many questioned whether she was pressured, threatened, or manipulated. Among those named in the rumors was then-rising politician Tito Sotto, who was alleged to have played a role in brokering a “peaceful” resolution—claims he has consistently denied.

Now, new whispers point to someone even darker operating in the shadows: Ben Ulo.

Who Is Ben Ulo?

In the underworld of 1980s Manila, Ben Ulo was a name that could stop conversations. His real identity has always been shrouded in mystery, with some saying he was a former soldier turned mercenary, others claiming he was a political fixer with links to both government officials and criminal syndicates.

What is known is that Ben Ulo was allegedly involved in intimidation campaigns, orchestrating violence or blackmail to silence witnesses, derail investigations, or protect clients in high-profile scandals.

If the rumors are true, he was the go-to man when reputations—or secrets—needed to be protected at any cost.

New Leads, Old Fears

Social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok have become hotbeds of information regarding Pepsi Paloma’s case, with users claiming to have uncovered old testimonies, court records, and unnamed sources who allude to a shadowy enforcer hired to silence her.

One post claimed that:

“An ex-police officer from Quezon City revealed that a man known only by his alias ‘Ben Ulo’ was spotted near Pepsi’s residence days before her death.”

Another alleged that Pepsi had confided in a close friend, saying:

“Someone came to my door, warned me that if I don’t stop talking, I’ll end up like all the other girls who disappeared.”

While none of these claims have been officially verified, the consistency of the fear and the timing of her death has netizens asking: Was Ben Ulo the hand behind the curtain that finally silenced Pepsi Paloma for good?

A Pattern of Silencing

Those who believe in Ben Ulo’s involvement argue that Pepsi’s story is not isolated. Several other personalities—whistleblowers, journalists, and minor celebrities—also died mysteriously or disappeared during the 1980s and early 1990s after crossing powerful figures.

In 1984, a young tabloid reporter who covered Pepsi’s case was found dead in a canal. Officially, the cause was listed as a robbery gone wrong. But those who knew him claimed he had recently interviewed someone tied to the Paloma case—and was planning to write an exposé.

Was this a coincidence? Or part of a chilling pattern?

What the Experts Say

Criminologists and legal experts are divided. Some argue that without hard evidence, such theories are speculative at best and dangerous at worst.

“We must be careful not to rewrite history based on online theories,” says Attorney Leon Morales, a human rights lawyer. “Yes, it’s important to revisit cold cases, but we need real investigations—not conspiracy.”

Others, however, say that justice delayed is still justice worth pursuing, especially if powerful people and criminal actors were involved in silencing victims.

“Pepsi Paloma’s death was suspicious from day one. The people protecting her abusers may have used underground figures like Ben Ulo to finish the job,” says a former NBI agent who requested anonymity.

Calls for a New Investigation

The sudden resurgence of interest in the Pepsi Paloma case—especially the rumored involvement of Ben Ulo—has led to public outcry. Online petitions are circulating, calling for an independent, non-political inquiry into the circumstances of her death.

Many Filipinos believe that justice for Pepsi could symbolize justice for countless other silenced women, especially those who were powerless against the rich, famous, or well-connected.

One viral post read:

“This isn’t about blaming someone without proof. It’s about demanding the truth. Pepsi Paloma deserves more than just a name in a headline.”

Ben Ulo: Myth or Murderer?

The mystery surrounding Ben Ulo deepens as no photo, arrest record, or concrete biography has ever been made public. Some say he fled the country in the late ’90s. Others believe he died in a shootout in 2003. And still, a few claim he is alive and well, living under a new identity, protected by people he once served.

If he is alive, could he hold the key to what really happened to Pepsi Paloma?

And if he is dead, what secrets died with him?

Conclusion: A Truth That Demands to Be Heard

The story of Pepsi Paloma is not just one of scandal—it’s a tale of lost innocence, fear, and injustice. Whether or not Ben Ulo played a role in her death remains uncertain, but the renewed public interest is undeniable.

In a time when historical reckoning is sweeping across the globe, perhaps it’s time for the Philippines to finally confront its buried truths.

Justice, even delayed by 40 years, still matters.

Pepsi Paloma was more than just a headline.
And if someone like Ben Ulo helped silence her, the nation deserves to know.