P1M bounty for ex-BuCor deputy
A P2-MILLION reward awaits anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gerald Bantag, the Department of Justice said yesterday.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said a P1 million reward will also be provided for the arrest of Bantag’s deputy, Ricardo Zulueta.
“It is crucial that these individuals are brought to justice and held accountable for their alleged actions. Their cooperation can lead to the significant difference in ensuring the swift apprehension of Bantag and Zulueta and providing closure for the victims,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“We assure the public that all information provided will be treated with strictest confidentiality in accordance with the law,” it added.
The DOJ said information on the whereabouts of Bantag and Zulueta may be reported through numbers 09458311058 and 09284169585.
Bantag and Zulueta are facing murder charges before the Muntinlupa and Las Piñas regional trial courts in connection with last year’s killing of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and Cristito Palana Villamor alias Villamor, an inmate of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Villamor was said to be a middleman in the case as he who allegedly hired self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial to kill Lapid. He was later killed allegedly on the Bantag’s order, coursed through Zulueta, to prevent him from spilling the beans on the mastermind in Lapid’s killing.
Bantag and Zulueta are on the run since warrants for their arrests have been issued by the courts.
Bantag has said he would not surrender until Remulla steps down from his post as he accused the latter of manipulating the case. He even turned the table on Remulla and his successor at BuCor, former Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang Jr., when he said the two had the motive to order the killing of Mabasa and Villamor.
Remulla said they decided to open to the public the manhunt for Bantag and Zulueta to increase the chances of capturing the two fugitives immediately.
“We get tips from many of our sources but it’s better that we open it to the public to get hold of Mr. Bantag and Zulueta,” Remulla said as he expressed belief that the two are still in the country.
The DOJ through the Bureau of Immigration earlier issued hold departure orders against the two to prevent them from fleeing the country.
