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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Bantag's indictment a warning to gov't officials, uniformed personnel—Hontiveros ​

Bantag's indictment a warning to gov't officials, uniformed personnel—Hontiveros ​

Published Mar 15, 2023 07:48 am
   Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, March 15 welcomed the indictment of suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta for two counts murder over the killing of broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.    “The indictment of General Bantag  is an important step towards justice for Percy Lapid's family, rebuilding genuine freedom of the press, and  exorcising the culture of impunity that has been haunting us,” Hontiveros said in a statement.   “This should be a stern warning that no one is immune from justice. Not even uniformed personnel,” added the senator.    At the same time, Hontiveros expressed alarm over the frequency of the alleged involvement of state actors in murders these days.    “An increasing number of law enforcers and military seem to be possessed by such brazenness that is causing unease amongst the public,” she noted.   To address this, Hontiveros said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) should seriously investigate its ranks and review its culture.    “The gall of guilty state personalities to commit or attempt these crimes is a disgrace to the good military & police men and women who dedicate their lives to our nation. We can do better,” she said.   Hontiveros also expressed hope that Malacañang will speak in protection of journalists and encourage them to keep speaking the whole truth.   “The President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, should speak directly to our military men and women, and remind them that their mandate is to the Filipino people,” she said.   “I look forward to the case proceeding smoothly and fairly. The only interest that should be protected is the Mabasa family's. May this process give the family the justice and the peace of mind they so rightly deserve,” she stressed.   

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Senator Risa Hontiveros Gerald Bantag
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