P3 million reward up for arrest of Bantag, Zulueta

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is offering a reward of P3 million to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta.

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano said yesterday that a P2-million bounty had been raised for the capture of Bantag and P1 million for Zulueta.

Bantag and Zulueta are wanted for the murders of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Cristito “Jun” Villamor Palana.

The Muntinlupa regional trial court has issued warrants for the arrest of the suspects.

“The NBI, in collaboration with the DOJ, allows a substantial reward for any information leading to the arrest of Bantag and Zulueta,” Clavano told reporters.

Those who have information on Bantag and Zulueta may call hotlines 0945831058 and 09284169585.

Bantag has twice signified his intention to surrender, but has not turned up to face the criminal charges filed against him.

“We want law enforcers to be more aggressive in helping the DOJ arrest the suspects who allegedly conspired to kill Percy Lapid,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said at a press briefing.

Remulla said the duo, tagged as brains in the twin killings, are reportedly hiding in Northern Luzon.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on Oct. 3 last year. Villamor was believed to have been murdered while in detention at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. has filed complaints for plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, grave misconduct and dishonesty against Bantag over the allegedly anomalous biddings for the construction of prison facilities in Davao, Palawan and Leyte amounting to at least P1 billion.