Department of Jusce (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Tuesday, Nov. 22, assured that suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Q. Bantag will be given enough time to file a counter-affidavit on the two murder complaints filed against him and several other persons.
Bantag and BuCor’s Deputy Security Officer Ricardo S. Zulueta were charged as “principals by inducement” in the deaths of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid” C. Mabasa and inmate Cristito Villamor Palana, alleged middleman in the killing of the broadcaster last Oct. 3 in Las Pinas City.
Those charged have been directed by the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors directed to conduct the preliminary investigation to appear and file their counter-affidavits on or before Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Bantag’s subpoena was secured by his lawyer Rockly Balisong after the DOJ’s process servers failed to serve the summon at Bantag’s last known address in Caloocan City.
Balisong said he will ask the DOJ more time to file Bantag’s counter-affidavit.
“Most of the time it is granted. I will not take it away from them (panel) to grant it,” Remulla said.
He said the preliminary investigation will proceed even if Zulueta does not appear before the panel.
“I just hope that Zulueta still appears to face charges because he is a co-conspirator and his role is very important,” said Remulla who admitted hearing rumors that Zulueta might already be dead.
If the panel of prosecutors find there is probable cause to charge Bantag in court for the twin murders, Remulla advised him against not surrendering to the authorities.
“Magiging wanted siya by the law (He will become a fugitive from justice). And flight is an indication of guilt. The more guilty he will appear if he does not show up,” he said.
Earlier, Bantag said he will not surrender if an arrest order is issued against him as long as Remulla is still the secretary of justice as he expressed fears that the case against him might be manipulated.
“The Department of Justice’s role is to prosecute. It is an executive function. So, I don’t see where luto (manipulation) is because the judge would be the one to determine whether or not the case presented is valid or not,” Remulla pointed out.
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