FORMER Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Gerald Bantag, former Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, and several others were recommended by government prosecutors for indictment on two counts of murder over the highly controversial killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid and the subsequent death of middleman Jun Villamor.

This was after probable cause was established against them during preliminary investigation by a panel of public prosecutors.

In a resolution dated March 9, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will charge the following individuals in court for Lapid’s murder: principal by inducement: Bantag and Zulueta; principal by direct participation: Joel Escorial, Israel Dimaculangan, Edmon Dimaculangan, Alias Orly/Orlando; and principal by indispensable cooperation: PDL Denver Mayores, PDL Alvin Labra, PDL Aldrin Galicia, PDL Alfie Peñaredonda, and Christopher Bacoto;

For Villamor’s death, the following individuals will be charged by the DOJ: principal by inducement: Bantag, Zulueta, Labra, Galicia; and principal by direct participation: PDL Mario Alvarez, PDL Joseph Georfo, PDL Christian Ramac, PDL Ricky Salgado, PDL Ronnie dela Cruz, PDL Joel Reyes.

“Accordingly, the Panel of Prosecutors respectfully recommends the approval of the two corresponding Informations (charge sheets) in the above-entitled case,” part of the resolution read.

Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman who surrendered, claimed that the order to assassinate Lapid came from within the walls of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Moreover, Villamor, who allegedly relayed the kill order to Escorial, died mysteriously inside the NBP.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun stated that Villamor died of suffocation after a plastic bag was placed over his head.

Lapid, whose real name was Percival Mabasa, hosted a radio commentary show called “Lapid Fire,” where he criticized fake news, red-tagging, and government corruption.

Bantag is also facing a slew of charges that included the alleged unauthorized digging in the NBP, and torture, physical injury charges lodged by inmates and jail guards.

The Philippine Journalists Inc. has asked Bantag’s camp for comment but hasn’t responded yet as of this writing.

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Hector Lawas