Azurin calls on Bantag, Zulueta to surrender

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. called on former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former Deputy Officer Ricardo Zulueta to surrender to authorities following the issuance of warrants of arrest against them.

Azurin made the call as Bantag and Zulueta are now considered as fugitives. The PNP chief said anyone who has not surrendered amid an existing warrant of arrest could already be considered as such.

"We encourage Gerald kung gusto niya mag-surrender siya sa ano... actually noon pa lang inoffer ko na sa kanya 'yun eh noong naalis siya sa Bureau of Corrections (I already offered that to him when he was relieved from the Bureau of Corrections) 'di ba sabi ko sa kanya if he wanted to have his own security, of his own choice, the PNP is willing to provide," Azurin told reporters.

"Ngayon may warrant of arrest na siya (Now that he already has a warrant of arrest), siyempre to make it easier for everyone, why don't he just surrender and face 'yung kanyang kaso... that way he can also have his day in court," he added.

According to Azurin, Bantag and Zulueta have not sent any surrender feelers yet.

The Regional Trial Courts of Las Piñas and Muntinlupa had issued the warrants  against Bantag and Zulueta in connection with the deaths of broadcaster Percy Lapid, and the alleged middleman in the killing - Jun Villamor.

Manhunt operations are ongoing in Bulacan and Caloocan for the alleged involved persons, with the police saying that the warrants are not considered served unless they were delivered to the concerned individuals in person. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News