(DC file photo)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Monday, November 2, to intensify its efforts to locate and arrest former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag after a police operation in Ifugao failed to find him.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities remain determined to serve the arrest warrant against Bantag, who faces charges in connection with the 2022 killing of radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
“We will not allow the passage of time or repeated attempts to evade arrest to weaken our resolve. The PNP will remain relentless in pursuing those who are wanted by the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.
“Every lead will be pursued, every lawful opportunity will be acted upon and we will not stop until they are brought before the courts to answer for the charges against them.”
On November 1, police conducted an operation at a poultry farm in Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao, following information that Bantag was allegedly working at the facility.
However, authorities failed to locate the former corrections chief during the operation.
Nartatez maintained that the unsuccessful attempt would not discourage police units from continuing their search.
“This is not a setback but a proof that we remain relentless in locating and arresting him as well as other high-profile fugitives,” he said.
The PNP chief emphasized that authorities would continue verifying information and pursuing leads that could establish Bantag’s whereabouts.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could help locate Bantag and other wanted individuals.
Bantag is wanted in connection with the killing of Mabasa, a radio commentator who was shot dead in October 2022.
The former BuCor chief has denied involvement in the broadcaster’s killing.
The PNP reiterated that its operations would continue until the arrest warrant is served and Bantag is brought before the court to face the charges against him.
