Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag arrives during an “Oplan Galugad” inside the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City on March 4, 2020. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday expressed confidence that authorities are close to finding former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who faces murder charges and remains at large.

CA rejects Bantag bid to junk murder cases over Percy Lapid killing

“We know where he is, but we haven’t found him yet, but we will find him soon,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla told Palace reporters, without elaborating.

DOJ say they know Bantag’s whereabouts

Bantag continues to hide from authorities after he was tagged as the mastermind behind the killing of broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, who was shot dead near his home in 2022 after supposedly making comments online that appeared to link Bantag to corruption.

Roy Mabasa, the brother of Lapid, earlier posted that Bantag was reportedly spotted “casually attending the INC rally” last January 13, 2025 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

NBI raids Bantag safe houses

“Aren’t authorities supposed to be hunting him down? Only in the Philippines, where fugitives roam freely and justice turns a blind eye,” Mabasa asked.

Bantag had previously denied any corruption or role in the killings.

RELATED VIDEO