Bantag Arrested Soon - DILG Chief

Former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gerald Bantag, who is facing murder charges for the killings of journalist Percival Mabasa and inmate Jun Villamor also known as Cristito Palaña in 2022, is expected to be arrested "soon," according to Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

- With Emmanuel Tupas

In a statement on Tuesday, Remulla confirmed that authorities are aware of Bantag's location but have not yet apprehended him. He assured the public that efforts to locate the fugitive are ongoing.

"We know where he is but we have not found him yet. But we will find him soon, pretty soon," Remulla said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP confirmed that there have been reports of possible sightings of the fugitive "somewhere up north" as the PNP continues its efforts to apprehend him.

Fajardo, however, did not specify the exact location where Bantag was spotted.