The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking local courts to cite in contempt three vloggers who posted an interview with fugitive former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag. Bantag is wanted for the murder of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as “Percy Lapid.”
The Muntinlupa and Las Piñas Regional Trial Courts have issued warrants of arrest for Bantag for the deaths of Lapid and Bilibid inmate Cristito Palana Villamor, also known as “Jun Villamor.” Villamor is the inmate who hired confessed hitman Joel Escorial to kill Lapid.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the vloggers are undermining the courts and the legal process by interviewing Bantag. Remulla also said that under the law, even ordinary citizens can arrest or report to the police anyone they see who is wanted by the authorities.
Bantag and former BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta are facing murder charges before the Muntinlupa and Las Piñas regional trial courts for the deaths of Lapid and Villamor. Lapid was shot by armed men on his way home in Las Piñas on October 3, 2022.
The DOJ’s move to seek contempt charges against the vloggers is a significant development in the case against Bantag. It shows that the government is serious about bringing Bantag to justice and that it will not tolerate any interference with the legal process.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 3, 2023
