Police deny Bantag hiding in Kalinga

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Kalinga police has denied that former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who was indicted for the murder of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid, is hiding in the province.

Police said Bantag does not belong to the Kalinga tribe, noting he is of mixed Ifugao-Benguet descent.

The provincial police made the statement following claims that the Kalinga tribe has been protecting Bantag, who was declared a fugitive in 2023 by the Department of Justice.

The DOJ has offered P2 million for the arrest of Bantag, who was also tagged in the murder of Cristito Palana Villamor, alias Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in a contract to kill Lapid.

Earlier, BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. said that Bantag is hiding in Kalinga, protected by the tribe.

“In tribal culture, whether you are right or wrong, the tribe protects you. That is why authorities are careful to avoid a violent confrontation,” Catapang was quoted as saying.

He reportedly said that authorities are considering arresting Bantag outside Kalinga to avoid violence.

But Kalinga police spokesman Capt. Ruffy Manganip has denied that Bantag is in the province, noting that the Kalinga tribe only protects tribemates.