A failed intelligence-led raid on an agricultural facility in Northern Luzon has refocused law enforcement priorities on high-profile fugitives as police leadership vowed to press forward with the nationwide manhunt for former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched an early morning operation on November 1 at a poultry farm in Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao, following leads suggesting that Bantag was hiding at the site while posing as a farm laborer.
While tactical units failed to locate the former official at the premises, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. emphasized that the unrewarded sweep reflects active operational momentum rather than a structural failure.
“We will not allow the passage of time or repeated attempts to evade arrest to weaken our resolve. The PNP will remain relentless in pursuing those who are wanted by the law. Every lead will be pursued, every lawful opportunity will be acted upon, and we will not stop until they are brought before the courts to answer for the charges against them,” PGen Nartatez said.
Bantag continues to evade law enforcement in connection with court-issued warrants for the 2022 killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy” Mabasa. Bantag has consistently maintained his innocence and denied involvement in the crime.
Refusing to treat the empty raid as a operational setback, PGen Nartatez framed the field action as evidence of persistent pressure on hiding networks.
“This is not a setback but a proof that we remain relentless in locating and arresting him as well as other high-profile fugitives,” PGen Nartatez also said.
The PNP chief urged citizens to report verified details concerning the movements of Bantag or other fugitives to local stations to support ongoing field tracking operations.