Bantag shows up at Percy Lapid slay probe

Suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag attended the Department of Justice preliminary investigation today, which is looking to determine if there is probable cause to charge him over the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa (Percy Lapid) and alleged middleman Cristito Vilamor.

The police and the National Bureau of Investigation have filed double murder charges against Bantag and his deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta,

"Sabi nila nagtatago ako. Hindi naman," Bantag said when he arrived at the DOJ. Asked what his counter-affidavit contained, Bantag answered, "Di ko matandaan sa dami."

At the first hearing of the case on 23 November, Bantag did not show up due to the wrong middle name indicated in the subpoena issued against him, said his lawyer.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on 3 October, while Villamor died at the New Bilibid Prison hours after self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial pointed him out as the person who allegedly contracted him to kill Lapid.

An initial autopsy report conducted by the NBI showed there was no foul play in the death of Villamor, but according to a second autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun, Villamor's remains have a "history of asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation."

Ater Villamor's death, Escorial executed a supplemental affidavit saying "Bantag" allegedly made the order, per Villamor.

In his defense, Bantag said Remulla was using Lapid's killing to cover up the drug-related issue hounding his son, Juanito Remulla III, who was arrested in connection with the alleged importation of P1.3 million worth of kush or high-grade marijuana. Bantag called on the Justice Secretary to step down from office for allegedly bungling the Lapid murder investigation.

Zulueta has yet to surface, though the police said he remains in the country.

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