Bantag under WPP? Percy Lapid brother says why not if qualified

Journalist Roy Mabasa on Wednesday urged suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, the alleged mastermind behind the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, to answer the allegations against him and to provide more information on the case.

Mabasa, Lapid’s brother, said Bantag may qualify for the Witness Protection Program should he divulge more names related to the case if there are any. He previously said he wants to make sure that there are no more individuals behind the identified masterminds.

“Kaya nga po hinihikayat natin siya. Siguro kung lalabas si Mr. Bantag at may ituturo baka siya’y mag qualify pa sa WPP. I do not know the procedure but kung mag qua-qualify siya at mag sasabi siya ng ibang katotohan, tatanggapin po natin ‘yan,” he told ANC.

(That’s why I’m urging him. Maybe if he were to come out and point at other people he may qualify for WPP. I do not know the procedure but if he were to tell another truth, we will accept it.)

Authorities had pointed to Bantag and BuCor Senior Superintendent Ricardo Zulueta as those behind the killing of Lapid. Murder complaints have been filed against them and others with the DOJ.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3.

According to Mabasa, their goal has always been to find justice for Lapid.

“Alam ko merong qualification ‘yan pero kung ako ang tatanungin mo, kung mag qua-qualify siya, why not? Kasi ang hinahanap natin dito talaga mag mula ng umpisa ay magkaroon ng hustisya at katarungan para kay Ka Percy,” Mabasa said.

Also on Wednesday, the National Bureau of Investigation said Bantag and jail official Ricardo Zulueta are still in the Philippines. 

NBI supervising agent Atty. Eugene Javier said they are trying to secure a precautionary hold departure order against them.

Murder complaints have been filed against them and several others over the deaths of Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News