Former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag – Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Former Bureau of Corrections (BOC) chief Gerald Bantag remains at large in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday.
Bantag faces an arrest order issued by a Muntinlupa court in April 2023 over the death of Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid in October 2022.
“Ang latest info namin ay nasa Cordillera region. So, nandoon ang tracker teams namin ngayon,” Remulla said.
The secretary explained that the mountainous terrain and dense tree cover make operations difficult. “Pero dapat maintindihan niyo mahirap ang Cordillera region. Bundok yan. Bago mo mapasok yan, may cover of trees so hindi natin puwede lagyan ng drone. Wala kang makikita,” he added.
Authorities are also considering alternative strategies, since local tribes in the region may be protecting individuals in hiding. “Kailangan live ang asset natin. Kaya yung mga tribo doon ay nagproprotektahan. So, we are now trying other means para makapasok,” Remulla said.
The Department of Justice previously announced a P2-million reward for information leading to Bantag’s arrest, and police received reports of possible sightings in January 2025.
Bantag has consistently denied the allegations against him, and authorities continue their efforts to locate and take him into custody.
