The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it is aware of the location of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who has been evading arrest for over a year following an outstanding warrant related to the alleged murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid.
DOJ spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV stated, “We know where he is, but capturing him safely remains a challenge. We aim to apprehend him in the most peaceful manner possible.”
Clavano emphasized the difficulty of arresting Bantag, noting, “He will not allow himself to be caught alive. We don’t want to endanger our law enforcement agents. Bantag hides in remote areas where he has supporters. We hope to execute the warrants of arrest peacefully.”
Recently, the Court of Appeals dismissed Bantag’s petition challenging a Las Piñas Regional Trial Court order that denied his motion to quash information and the warrant for his arrest. Despite knowing Bantag’s location, the DOJ is proceeding cautiously, prioritizing a peaceful resolution.
“We are open to negotiations for voluntary surrender. Surrendering would be a mitigating circumstance that could benefit Mr. Bantag,” Clavano added.
Lapid, whose real name is Percy Mabasa, was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. In March 2023, the DOJ filed murder charges against Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta in connection with Lapid’s death, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants in April 2023.
A reward of P2 million has been offered for information on Bantag’s whereabouts, while P1 million was offered for Zulueta. Despite raids by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Laguna and Caloocan City, Bantag remains at large. Zulueta passed away on March 15 due to heart failure.
Bantag and Zulueta were also charged with the death of alleged middleman Jun Villamor, whose autopsy indicated asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation. Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman, has been sentenced to up to 16 years in prison for Lapid’s killing.