The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has launched a manhunt against former officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) who are believed to be involved in the murder of Richard Lapid, a businessman and former vice mayor of Santo Tomas, Batangas. According to reports, Lapid was killed in February this year over a land dispute involving his family and a group of BuCor officials. Investigations revealed that the former BuCor officials conspired with a group of individuals to kill Lapid, who was acting as a middleman in the land dispute.
Among those being hunted by the CIDG are former BuCor director-general Gerald Bantag and his aide, Rafael Ragos. The two are believed to be part of the group that conspired to kill Lapid. The CIDG has also filed murder raps against Bantag, Ragos, and several others for their alleged involvement in the crime.
In an editorial published by Philstar.com, the news outlet called on Bantag and his cohorts to come out and face the charges against them. The editorial also lambasted the former BuCor officials for allegedly using their power to further their personal interests and engaging in criminal activities.
The Manila Times reported that a court has issued warrants for the arrest of Bantag, Ragos, and two other individuals identified as Claro Zulueta and Nelson Cuadrado. The warrants were issued following the filing of murder charges against the four suspects by the CIDG.
Meanwhile, GMA News Online reported that the CIDG has called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. The CIDG has also pledged to exhaust all efforts to bring the suspects to justice.
The murder of Richard Lapid has once again shed light on the alleged corruption and criminal activities within the BuCor. The bureau has been under scrutiny in recent years due to the release of high-profile convicts and the alleged involvement of its officials in various crimes.
Many have called for a major overhaul of the BuCor to weed out corrupt officials and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The Philippine government has also taken steps to address the issue, such as the appointment of a new BuCor chief and the establishment of a task force to investigate corruption within the bureau.
The murder of Richard Lapid is a tragic reminder of the need to uphold the rule of law and fight against corruption and criminality. It is hoped that the suspects will be apprehended and brought to justice, and that the Philippine government will continue to take concrete steps to address corruption and criminal activities within its ranks.
