FORMER Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag has reportedly sent a second surrender feeler, but Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is skeptical of the move.

Remulla said Bantag was negotiating for his detention and that of his former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta as a “condition for surrendering.”

Zulueta is Bantag’s co-accused in the murder cases related to the killings of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor.

Remulla said in an interview that two feelers were sent, one to a Cabinet official and another to one of his friends, but they seem not serious about surrendering.

Remulla said Bantag had expressed his intention to surrender six days ago while he was in the United States with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He disclosed that one of the topics discussed in the second feeler was the place of detention, and they are amenable to special arrangements for Bantag and Zulueta.

“I think they are trying to avoid being put into BuCor prison facilities,” Remulla said.

Last month, Remulla disclosed that he would suggest detaining Bantag at the Philippine National Police-Custodial Center in Camp Crame, once he surrenders or is arrested.

Bantag, Zulueta, and three other individuals are facing a warrant of arrest by the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court for the murder of Lapid.

The other individuals named in the warrant were Israel Adao Dimaculangan, Edmon Adao Dimaculangan, and an individual using the alias “Orly/Orlando.” The Las Piñas court did not recommend bail for their temporary liberty.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas