Gerald Bantag 鈥擥RIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� 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鈥檚 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
鈥淭here are indications that he鈥檚 just here in the country. We have no record showing that he left the country,鈥� the PNP official said in a press briefing on Monday.
She added that they are still validating reports PNP鈥檚 tracker teams received regarding Bantag.
鈥淥ur 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鈥� tracker teams to validate these pieces of information,鈥� Fajardo said.
Aside 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鈥檚 voluntary surrender, should he opt for it.
They also have information about Bantag鈥檚 location but admitted that it would not be easy to arrest him.