Did ex-BuCor chief Bantag just evade arrest in Ifugao operation?

ARREST. Lamut police launch an operation to arrest former BuCor chief Gerald Bantag, a fugitive wanted over the killings of broadcaster Percy Lapid and inmate Jun Villamor. Photo from Lamut Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr.u2019s Facebook page. Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr. says police received information that former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag was posing as a poultry worker in Lamut, Ifugao Former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag evaded arrest during a police operation at a poultry farm in Ifugao on November 1, despite being wanted for the murders of broadcaster Percival Mabasa and inmate Cristito Villamor. Mayor Mariano Buyagawan expressed disappointment over the failed operation, having hoped for Bantag's arrest and even prepared for a photo opportunity with him. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. Former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag reportedly evaded arrest during a predawn police operation at a poultry farm in Lamut, Ifugao, on All Saints’ Day, November 1, according to Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr. In a Facebook post, Buyagawan said police received confidential information that Bantag was posing as a poultry worker at Sitio Alupapan in Barangay Pugol. The Lamut Municipal Police Station launched an operation to arrest at 5 am Bantag, who has been a fugitive since courts issued warrants against him in connection with the killings of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and New Bilibid Prison inmate Cristito “Jun” Villamor. But Bantag was no longer at the poultry farm when police arrived, the mayor said. Buyagawan said he waited anxiously at home for updates, hoping police would report Bantag’s arrest. He had even prepared for a photo opportunity with the handcuffed fugitive and planned to invite Bantag to be a godfather at an upcoming event. “Wala na si General (The General is gone),” Buyagawan wrote, expressing his disappointment after police failed to find the former official. Despite the unsuccessful operation, the mayor praised the Lamut police for acting on the intelligence report and pursuing Bantag. He also expressed relief that no one was hurt during the operation, which he had hoped would end peacefully on a day traditionally devoted to remembering the dead. Buyagawan joked that Bantag’s reported presence in Lamut showed that the town was peaceful and attractive, even to a fugitive. He also joked that former Philippine National Police chief and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa might turn up in Barangay Mabato-Bato. The mayor’s account did not explain how Bantag left the poultry farm or say whether police had verified that he was there. Bantag has been wanted since 2023, when courts issued arrest warrants against him and former BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta. The Department of Justice indicted the two men in connection with Mabasa’s killing on October 3, 2022, and Villamor’s death on October 18, 2022. Mabasa was a radio broadcaster known for his critical commentaries, while Villamor was an inmate allegedly linked to the killing. Mabasa was shot dead in Las Piñas City while on his way home. Villamor died inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, days after a self-confessed gunman identified him as the alleged middleman in the broadcaster’s killing. Bantag has denied involvement in the killings, describing the accusations against him as fabricated. In 2024, the Court of Appeals rejected Bantag’s challenge to the murder case and arrest warrant in connection with Mabasa’s killing, allowing the case to proceed. Bantag remains at large. A Muntinlupa court archived the murder case involving Villamor’s death pending his arrest. Buyagawan ended his post by urging the public to remember the Lamut police officers who pursued the operation and making a tongue-in-cheek appeal for prayers for Bantag. “Today is All Saints’ Day,” the mayor wrote. “No matter how you hide as a poultry boy, you are not yet a saint. You are still a fugitive.” – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading