BuCor to be ‘reorganized,’ says departing spokesperson

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will undergo "restructuring," it was announced on Monday, amid the suspension of its chief in the wake of the death of an inmate supposedly linked to the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

“We will be reorganizing the structure here in BuCor including the Office of the Spokesperson,” Gabriel Chaclag said in a message to reporters, adding that he is stepping down as spokesperson.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Please support the new BuCor leadership and whoever will be the designated spokesperson,” he said.

BuCor chief Director General Gerald Bantag was suspended following the death of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) in the New Bilibid Prison believed to be the “middleman” in Lapid's killing.

Former Armed Forces chief of staff Gregorio Catapang Jr. has been appointed officer-in-charge.

Lapid was shot dead while on his way home in Las Piñas City on October 3.

The Philippine National Police said that around 160 individuals, including Bantag, are considered persons of interest in the killing.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has also started its preliminary investigation into the murder complaint filed against self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial and three other accomplices. — BM, GMA News