Bantag told: File counter-affidavits on torture raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag to file on Tuesday and on Feb. 21 his counter-affidavits for two criminal complaints for allegedly torturing inmates and various other charges.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento yesterday said preliminary investigations on the twin torture complaints against Bantag filed by inmates and prison guards have already begun.

Earlier, the BuCor filed complaints before the DOJ against Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta for allegedly torturing two inmates of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Bantag was charged with violating the Anti-Torture Act of 2019 and serious physical injuries while Zulueta was charged with violating Presidential Decree 1829 or obstruction of justice.

Recently, prison guards from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan also filed a torture complaint against Bantag.

The two cases are among the four criminal charges being faced by Bantag. He had earlier been charged with murder for the killing of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid and inmate Cristito Villamor Palaña who was alleged to be the middleman in Lapid’s kill contract.

Recently, BuCor Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. filed charges of plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, grave misconduct and dishonesty against Bantag.