Bantag using police connections? PNP chides DOJ  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) slammed a Department of Justice (DOJ) official yesterday for speculating that wanted murder suspect Gerald Bantag has continued to elude arrest because of his police connections.

Last Tuesday, DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano told media that Bantag – the former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief implicated in the murder of radio commentator Percy Lapid (real name Percival Mabasa) – has been receiving tips that have helped him elude arrest, suggesting that these came from his network “as a police officer.”

Refuting these allegations, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan Jr., PNP Public Information Office chief, denied that Bantag was being protected by the police and clarified that he was never even a police officer.

“General Bantag has never been a member of the Philippine National Police. Based on record, he used to be a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officer before his appointment in Bureau of Corrections,” Maranan said.

“We want to emphasize that irrespective of one’s rank, stature or source of commissionship of any officer, the PNP will arrest any individual who has violated the law,” he added.

After the courts have issued warrants of arrest against Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta, Maranan said tracker teams from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have not stopped hunting down the two fugitives.

Bantag and Zulueta are also wanted for the murders New Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito Palaña, aka “Jun Villamor,” the alleged middleman for the hitmen who killed Lapid. Maranan said the PNP maintains a firm resolve in its dedication to safeguard and serve the public.