PNP won’t let up on slippery Bantag
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will not let up in its pursuit of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, a day after a police operation in Ifugao failed to arrest him.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Monday that law enforcement efforts will continue as authorities work to serve the arrest warrant against Bantag, who remains at large over his alleged involvement in the 2022 killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy” 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. 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.
This aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., through the guidance of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen the government’s campaign against fugitives and ensure strict enforcement of the law regardless of status or influence.
Police conducted an operation at a poultry farm in Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao on 1 November after receiving information that Bantag was hiding there and posing as a poultry worker. However, they did not find him at the location.
Bantag has been evading arrest in connection with the killing of Mabasa, although he has denied the allegations.
Nartatez said the recent operation underscored the police organization’s determination to locate wanted persons and enforce court-issued warrants nationwide.
“This is not a setback but proof that we remain relentless in locating and arresting him as well as other high-profile fugitives,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief also called on the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information that may help locate Bantag and other wanted individuals.
Unique writing style
Lamut, Ifugao Mayor Mariano “Marimar” B. Buyagawan Jr. defended the dramatic tone of his social media post about a failed attempt to arrest fugitive former Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Bantag on All Saints’ Day, after the post drew online criticism.
Buyagawan earlier said personnel of the Lamut Municipal Police Station raided a poultry farm in Sitio Alupapan, Barangay Pugol, at 5 a.m. on 1 November, acting on intelligence that Bantag was hiding there disguised as a farm worker. According to the mayor, Bantag slipped away shortly before officers arrived.
The post’s unconventional style, which mixed romantic analogies, personal jokes and lighthearted commentary, drew sharp reactions. Critics called the account a tall tale and accused the mayor of trivializing a serious law enforcement operation. In the post, Buyagawan also said he wanted Bantag to be his ninong at his wedding.
In a clarification, Buyagawan said he did not invent the operation and that it did take place. He stood by the facts of his account but defended his manner of telling it.