Bantag just somewhere in PH, says PNP
Gerald Bantag —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive and former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag is still in the Philippines, and no records show that he left the country, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
Fajardo’s statement came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that they are close to locating Bantag, who is facing murder charges over the death of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa.
READ: DILG on wanted ex-BuCor chief Bantag: We will find him soon
“There are indications that he’s just here in the country. We have no record showing that he left the country,” the PNP official said in a press briefing on Monday.
She added that they are still validating reports PNP’s tracker teams received regarding Bantag.
Article continues after this advertisement“Our SILG already said that Bantag will be captured soon. What I can share is that we have positive efforts. We are just confirming reports received by our tracker teams. We also tapped other regions’ tracker teams to validate these pieces of information,” Fajardo said.
Article continues after this advertisementAside from this, she disclosed that they are now coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that Bantag and other wanted persons will be arrested.
Last June, Department of Justice Spokesperson Dominic Clavano said that the DOJ is open to negotiation and Bantag’s voluntary surrender, should he opt for it.
They also have information about Bantag’s location but admitted that it would not be easy to arrest him.
