Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a Red Notice against former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and former police officer Rafael Dumlao III, continuing the pursuit for them in connection with serious charges they face. Also named in the notice is businessman Atong Ang, while a separate request for a Red Notice against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has been submitted but is still pending approval by Interpol.
Details of the Red Notice
Remulla explained that the required documents for Co are complete, but the international police body is currently reviewing the application. The Red Notice is not an arrest warrant but a formal request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and temporarily detain an individual pending extradition or other legal proceedings.
Cases Against Bantag and Dumlao
Bantag is implicated in the case involving the death of the middleman in the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. Dumlao was previously convicted in connection with the 2016 kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo. Both have denied the allegations against them.
Remulla's Call for Action
Remulla expressed frustration over the slow progress in locating the wanted persons and urged the police to intensify operations to ensure their immediate arrest.
