Police deny ex-BuCor chief Gerald Bantag evaded arrest in Ifugao

Gerald Bantag was not at the location when police arrived at around 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, to serve the warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 206 in Muntinlupa City. PRO CAR via Jeff Caparas, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO CAR) conducted an operation to verify the possible whereabouts and implement a warrant of arrest against former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag at a poultry farm in Sitio Alupapan, Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao early morning on Sunday, November 1.

Bantag is facing murder charges over the death of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa.

The authorities conducted the operation at a poultry farm following information that Bantag was allegedly hiding in the area and posing as a poultry worker, PRO CAR Regional Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Genevieve Revocal said.

However, Bantag was not at the location when police arrived at around 5 a.m. to serve the warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 206 in Muntinlupa City.

Police clarified that Bantag did not elude arrest because he was not at the target location.

“Nililinaw po ng Police Regional Office Cordillera na wala pong naganap na pag-aresto dahil wala po sa lugar ang indibidwal na pakay ng operasyon. Hindi po siya inabutan during the operation po. Therefore po, wala pong naganap na pagtakas dahil wala po do’n yung aarestuhin na tao po,” Revocal said.

Revocal said authorities had no information on whether Bantag had changed his identity or how long he had allegedly been posing as a poultry worker.

In a statement on Monday, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that the police would not stop pursuing Bantag, who remains wanted in connection with the 2022 killing of Mabasa. 

Bantag has denied the allegations.

The PNP said it will intensify its manhunt against Bantag after an operation in Ifugao failed to locate him.

“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. 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,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“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 urged the public to provide credible information that could help authorities locate Bantag and other wanted persons.