PNP warns coddlers of Bantag, Zulueta

MANILA, Philippines — As they continue to elude authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday gave a stern warning to the coddlers of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and his deputy, Ricardo Zulueta.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the people who are harboring Bantag and Zulueta should “cooperate and bring the two fugitives to law enforcement agencies or face charges for obstruction of justice” under Presidential Decree 1829.

The PNP last month launched a massive manhunt against Bantag and Zulueta, who were ordered arrested by two courts in Las Piñas and Muntinlupa for the murders of broadcaster Percy Lapid and the alleged middleman in the hit, New Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito Villamor.

Despite being pursued by lawmen, the two remain at large.

People found to be helping the two face imprisonment of four years to six years and fines ranging from P1,000 to P6,000.

Fajardo said those protecting Bantag and Zulueta should think twice if they want to continue helping the two fugitives.

“Dapat sana ay huwag na tayong humantong sa ganoon dahil mabigat ang kakaharapin din nilang kaso (It should not get to that point since they face serious charges),” she said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said Bantag sent two surrender feelers, one through a Cabinet official and another to one of his friends.

While they welcome Bantag’s supposed intention to surrender, Fajardo said their tracker teams will not stop until he and Zulueta are caught.