Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday that it has charged former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag for grave coercion.
The complainants are BuCor jail officers assigned at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan.
The DOJ said Bantag and Chaclag allegedly coerced jail officer Richie Ganja into signing a document stating there was no shooting at the IPPF last March 1, 2020.
\”The evidence disclosed that during the subject incident on 2 March 2020, then DG Bantag, together with Chaclag, unlawfully coerced, through violence threats, and intimidation, complainant Canja into signing a document stating that there was no shooting incident at the IPPF on 1 March 2020 involving BuCor personnel,\” the statement read.
Moreover, the Justice department noted that through their actions, the two former BuCor officials had \”unlawfully\” prevented Canja from filing a criminal complaint against those involved in the incident.
\”Bantag and Chaclag, even if they were then the superior officers of complainants, had no authority or any right to prevent Canja from filing a criminal case against those involved,\” the DOJ said.
