Las Piñas Court Orders Archiving of Murder Case Against Bantag
MANILA, Philippines – The Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court has ordered the archiving of the murder case against former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Gerald Bantag until he is located by authorities. This decision affects the pending legal proceedings related to the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
“Judge Cesar Huliganga ruled that proceedings against former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Quitaleg Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta be shelved,” said Roy Mabasa, Percival’s younger brother, through a social media announcement.
Co-Accused’s Death and DNA Testing Refusal
Ricardo Zulueta, the other accused in the case, passed away last year due to cerebrovascular disease and intracranial hemorrhage. Police investigations dismissed any foul play in his death. According to the Revised Penal Code, the death of an accused extinguishes their criminal and civil liabilities. However, Zulueta remains listed as a co-accused in the case.
Roy Mabasa further explained that Zulueta’s family has repeatedly declined requests to conduct DNA testing on the remains believed to be his. This refusal has hindered efforts to confirm his identity, which contributed to the court’s decision to archive the case involving him.
Case Against Bantag to Resume Upon Surrender
The court clarified that the case against Gerald Bantag will remain archived but can be reopened once he surfaces and surrenders to authorities. Bantag is currently the subject of a nationwide manhunt, with a P2 million bounty placed on him. He has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Lapid.
Authorities also linked Bantag to the killing of Bilibid inmate Cristito Palana Villamor, alias Jun Villamor, who reportedly acted as the middleman coordinating the hit on Lapid. Despite the ongoing search, Bantag remains at large and wanted for questioning in connection with the high-profile case.
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