PNP: Bantag considered armed and dangerous

MANILA, Philippines — Armed and dangerous.

This is how the Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who is wanted for the murders of broadcaster Percy Lapid and an inmate.

Noting Bantag’s background, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said he expects the former BuCor chief to have armed himself.

“Of course, he came from the service,” Azurin told journalists on Monday.

Before he was appointed director general of the BuCor by former president Rodrigo Duterte, Bantag was an officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Aside from Bantag, police tracker teams are also searching for his deputy, Ricardo Zulueta, and other accused in the murder of Lapid.

A court in Las Piñas City had issued arrest warrants against Bantag, Zulueta and the other accused in the Lapid murder case.

Another court in Muntinlupa City has also ordered Bantag and Zuleta arrested in connection with the murder of New Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of Lapid.

Bantag has not sent any surrender feelers to the PNP, Azurin said as he urged the former BuCor chief to surrender instead of hiding and evading arrest.

“To make it easier for everyone, why doesn’t he just surrender and face the charges againts him,” he said.

Azurin reminded Bantag that the PNP provided him police escorts of his choice when he was relieved from his post at the BuCor.