Remulla: Probe inmates’ allegations vs Bantag

Remulla: Probe inmates’ allegations vs Bantag | Daily Tribune

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said there is a need to investigate the allegations made by two inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City who accused suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag of stabbing them.

Responding to new reports about inmates' allegations, Remulla said, "the allegations should be investigated properly so that there will be a build-up of evidence against the perpetrators."

The investigation, he said, is the job of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.

Jonathan Canete of the "Batang Cebu" gang and Ronald Usman of "Batang Mindanao", who were earlier presented to the media by BuCor officer-in-charge Gregorio Catapang Jr., claimed the incident took place on 1 February.

If there are laws violated in connection with the stabbing, Remulla said cases should be filed.

Catapang had said he will ask the Commission on Human Rights to assist Canete and Usman, who both still have rights as persons deprived of liberty.

The duo said they intend to press charges against Bantag.

Usman claimed his right hand has been paralyzed after being stabbed by Bantag with a double-edged bladed weapon, pointing to his middle finger that he could no longer move.

Canlas, on the other hand, showed the scar on his left thigh where Bantag allegedly stabbed him.

Bantag is facing double murder charges before the DoJ in connection with the deaths of broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa and Cristito Villamor Palana, the alleged middleman.

ILBO vs Bantag, Zulueta

The DoJ has authorized the issuance of an immigration lookout bulletin order against suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag and former bureau deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta.

The issuance of the ILBO was contained in an urgent memorandum to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco dated 7 December and signed by Remulla.

"Considering the gravity of the offense charged in the criminal complaints, there is a strong possibility that respondents may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of legal processes by leaving the country. Thus this Department deems the issuance of an ILBO against above-subject individuals prudent in order to monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel, and/or whereabouts, " the memorandum reads in part.

An ILBO requires immigration officials to inform the Justice Secretary if the subject of an ILBO intends to leave the country through international airports and seaports.
Only the courts can stop a person from leaving the country.

Separation of IAS from PNP

Meanwhile, Remulla disclosed the plan of the government to separate the Internal Affairs Service from the Philippine National Police.

Remulla said he has already discussed the matter with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

"That probably, the Internal Affairs Unit of the PNP must be removed from the structure of the PNP and put under the secretary of the Interior and Local Government," he said.

Remulla said internal affairs must be embedded in all units and the Internal Affairs Office has to be a very strong unit that has its budget that is not under the chief PNP.

The statement of Remulla came as the DoJ has earlier announced that it will file charges against three members of the PNP in connection with the disappearance of an e-sabong (online cockfight) agent in 2021.

Structurally, he said, they need to introduce changes through the amendment of Republic Act 6975 or An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police.

The PNP initially reported that more than 30 cockfighting enthusiasts disappeared after participating in a cockfight in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on 13 January.

Remulla earlier said he sees a concerted effort by a group behind the disappearances.