DOJ say they know Bantag’s whereabouts; Quiboloy still hiding

QUEZON CITY— The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Saturday that they are aware of the whereabouts of fugitive former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag.

According to DOJ spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano, Bantag has been in hiding for more than a year in remote areas.

He said they are being cautious to ensure that he will be arrested peacefully.

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“Alam naman natin na hindi talaga ‘yan papayag na pahuli ng buhay kaya mahirap din ilagay ang ating mga law enforcement agents in a precarious or dangerous pot,” Clavano said. 

“Hindi lang siya nagtatago sa isang lugar. Mga lugar na ito ay remote areas where meron po talaga siyang mga supporters so we hope na ma-execute itong warrant of arrest peacefully,” he added. 

Clavano said they are open to negotiations should Bantag decide to surrender voluntarily. 

“We just do not want to accede to any conditions dahil patas patas po. ‘Yung mga conditions na binibigay nila has to be very reasonable something that any Filipino can ask for,” Clavano explained. 

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He clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not interfere in the case, contrary to the misinformation being spread by Teves' camp. 

“Ang sabi lang niya is make sure you handle the case properly. Make sure to do the right thing,” Clavano said.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE

Clavano also explained that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's arrest is now in the hands of law enforcement agencies, as cases have been filed against him and an arrest warrant has already been issued.

Bantag, hindi naging bahagi ng PNP 

“Ito po ay isang law enforcement issue as of now dahil ‘yung role ng DOJ at that time was to file the case against the pastor. Dahil hindi pa po nahuhuli, we have to leave it up to the law enforcement agencies to do their job,” Clavano said. 

“Once the warrant of arrest is fulfilled or satisfied, that’s the only time the DOJ will come again and prosecute for the charges,” he added.