JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has disclosed that he will suggest the detention of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag at the Philippine National Police-Custodial Center in Camp Crame, once the former prison executive is arrested or surrenders himself.
Remulla stated, “We will give him what is needed for his safety,” and added that they would grant Bantag a few more days to turn himself in, and if he fails to do so, the authorities would begin arresting him.
Bantag, former prison deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, and three other individuals have been issued a warrant of arrest by Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court for the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid.
The other individuals named in the warrant were Israel Adao Dimaculangan, Edmon Adao Dimaculangan, and an individual using the alias “Orly/Orlando.” The Las Piñas court has not recommended bail for their temporary liberty.
In addition, the Muntinlupa RTC has also issued an arrest order for Bantag and Zulueta over the mysterious death of middleman Jun Villamor inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Villamor allegedly relayed the kill order to self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial.
Percy Lapid, also known as Percival Mabasa, was a DWBL radio commentator who was shot dead on October 3 at the gate of BF Resort Village in Talon Dos, Las Piñas City, while he was returning home.
Lapid hosted a radio commentary show called “Lapid Fire,” where he criticized fake news, red-tagging, and government corruption.
