JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has allayed speculations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is “singling out” suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag in the Percy Lapid slay and death of middleman Jun Villamor.

“… there is no other motive here than to bring out the truth and reality. Of course, this will be done through our legal processes and with due process afforded to everyone involved,” Remulla said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have filed two murder complaints against Bantag and several others, including gang leaders, in connection with the two murders.

The filing of the cases came to the fore after the NBI and PNP secured persons of interest (POIs) – who are mostly persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) – that provided essential information about the twin killings.

For the murder of Lapid, charged were Bantag, BuCor deputy security chief Ricardo S. Zulueta as principals by inducement. PDLs Denver B. Mayores, Alvin C. Labra, Aldrin M. Galicia, and Alfie Peñaredonda are likewise charged as principals by indispensable cooperation.

For the murder of Villamor, charged were Bantag and BuCor deputy security chief Zulueta as principals by inducement. PDLs Labra, Galicia, Mario G. Alvarez, and Joesph Medel Georfo are charged as principals by indispensable cooperation.

PDLs Christam D. Ramac, Ricky L. Salgado, Ronnie P. Dela Cruz, and Joel A. Reyes were also charged as principals by direct participation.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas