MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is now conducting tracking operations against former Bureau of Corrections (BOC) chief Gerald Bantag and Jail Officer Ricardo Zulueta, the alleged masterminds in the death of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and inmate Jun Villamor.
CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat said Friday he issued the order after the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 266 issued an arrest warrant against the two on Wednesday.
Included in his directive was the creation of tracker teams which will focus on the case build-up and operational research to determine the whereabouts of the accused.
"The CIDG will ensure that justice will prevail against offenders by carrying out its mandates in compliance to the marching orders of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the arrest of Bantag and Zulueta," Caramat said.
The court did not set any bail for the temporary liberty of the two accused.
Both the accused have claimed innocence in the plot to kill Mabasa and Villamor, which law enforcers said was prompted by a number of exposes made by the veteran journalist.
Mabasa was on his way home in Las Piñas when he was waylaid by gunmen who fired at his vehicle on Oct. 3, 2022.
Days later, Joel Escorial surrendered to authorities and claimed to be one of the gunmen, along with brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, adding that they were acting upon instructions from contacts inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa CIty.
A day after Escorial identified Viillamor as one of his NBP contacts, the latter turned up dead behind bars.
An independent autopsy concluded that Villamor died of suffocation from a plastic bag. (PNA)
