Suspended Bureau of Corrections (BOC) chief Gerald Bantag is among the 160 persons of interest in the murder of Pervical “Percy Lapid“ Mabasa killing, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin announced on Monday, Oct. 24.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Azurin said the 160 persons of interest are composed of different personalities including Bantag, some politicians, military officers, police officers, and others.

He said these persons of interest were identified upon backtracking in the episodes of Lapid's radio commentary program.

“Ito yung tinitignan natin na mga probable na baka may kinalaman sa pagkamatay ni Percy,“ he added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla confirmed that Bantag is among the persons of interest.

“He is a person of interest. Definitely, he is a person of interest. At least with respect to reckless imprudence is already there, that is already being sought,“ Remulla said in a chance interview with reporters on Monday afternoon.

Remulla clarified that the guilt of the identified persons of interest has yet to be determined.

“There’s a lot to be validated. Maaga pa, we are still investigating. Hindi po ito sine, ito ay totoong buhay, maging pasensyoso po tayo. May proseso ang batas,“ he said.

Bantag was recently placed under preventive suspension for 90 days after the alleged middleman named Crisanto Palana Villamor, who is an inmate of the New Bilibid Prison, died.

The suspension was ordered by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.