PNP continues manhunt for Bantag, Zulueta

The Department of Justice has released this “Wanted” poster showing former Bureau of Corrections Director Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta. Photo from DOJ

The Philippine National Police said it would continue the manhunt for former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and his former deputy Ricardo Zulueta, although the court had archived the murder case filed against them.

“Even though the murder case has been archived, this is not a reason for us to stop the manhunt operation,” PNP spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters on Monday.

A Muntinlupa City court has ordered the archiving of the murder case against Bantag and Zulueta last week over the death of New Bilibid Prison’s inmate Jun Villamor, an alleged middleman in the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa or Percy Lapid.

But the archived case could still be revived should they surrender or be arrested.

Fajardo said they had been receiving various pieces of information on the whereabouts of Bantag. “Hopefully, any of that information of his location would be useful,” he said.