Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) — Suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag has been suspended for another 90 days, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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Bantag was first suspended on Oct. 21 last year over his alleged involvement in the killing of veteran journalist Percy Lapid.
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READ: Marcos orders preventive suspension of BuCor chief amid probe on Percy Lapid slay
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This time, he’s being suspended for allowing Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) to interview retired Major General Jovito Palparan at the New Bilibid Prison, where he is serving his sentence after being convicted of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
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READ: CA upholds conviction of Palparan over kidnapping case
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According to the DOJ, SMNI had requested an interview with Palparan last Nov. 15, 2021. Bantag granted the request and the interview took place on Mar. 30, 2022.
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The department, however, said Bantag failed to comply with procedures regarding the interview of persons deprived of liberty or PDLs, which constitutes grave misconduct and neglect in the performance of duties.
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The DOJ had earlier flagged SMNI’s interview with Palparan, and said it would investigate the matter.
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READ: DOJ to probe Palparan interview with SMNI
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State prosecutors have filed murder complaints against Bantag and his right-hand man, former Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, over the killing of Lapid and alleged middleman Crisanto Jun Villamor.
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Bantag is also facing complaints of torture, infliction of serious physical injury, and misconduct for allegedly stabbing two inmates while he was drunk.
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Related:
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Cases filed vs. suspended BuCor chief Bantag, others over death of Lapid, middleman
