PNP CHIEF Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr yesterday said the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is leading police efforts to arrest former Bureau of Corrections director Gerald Bantag and his co-accused in the murder of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
Interviewed at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame, Azurin said the PNP considers Bantag, along with his cohorts, as “fugitives” from justice.
Mabasa was shot dead in October last year in front of the gate of a subdivision in Las Piñas City while on the way to work.
Last week, a Las Piñas City court has issued an arrest warrant against Bantag and Senior Supt. Ricardo Zulueta, Israel Dimaculangan, Edmon Dimaculangan, and alias Orly/Orlando for Lapid’s murder.
A Muntinlupa City court has also issued an arrest warrant against Bantag and Zulueta for the murder of National Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito Pana Villamor, alleged middleman in the Lapid case.
“Anybody who has an existing arrest warrant is a fugitive. That’s why we encourage Gerald to surrender,” said Azurin, referring to Bantag.
“He has a warrant of arrest. Of course, it will be easier for everybody if he just surrenders and face the case filed against him. That way, he can also have his day in court,” said Azurin.
Azurin said he is not aware of any feeler from Bantag, expressing his desire to surrender.
“The CIDG is taking the lead (in tracking down Bantag and his cohorts),” Azurin said, adding other police units were also ordered to arrest Bantag and his co-accused if they see them.
