The Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted an operation on Sunday aimed at arresting former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag at a poultry farm located in Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao. However, the operation did not succeed as Bantag was not found at the site during the police raid, according to a statement from the PNP.

Reports indicate that Bantag, who is currently a fugitive, managed to evade capture by allegedly disguising himself as a poultry worker. Lamut Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr. confirmed this in a Facebook post, highlighting the unusual nature of Bantag's hiding spot. "So what is a fugitive General doing? He was not hiding in the mountains. Not in a cave. Not in another country. He was hiding inside the poultry farm in Pugol! Wearing slippers!" Buyagawan remarked, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.S2

The failed operation adds to the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending Bantag, who has been implicated in serious criminal allegations. His ability to remain undetected in such a public and mundane setting raises questions about the effectiveness of the current manhunt and the resources being allocated to capture him. The PNP has not yet released further details about their next steps in the operation to locate Bantag.S1S2