The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has officially issued Red Notices against former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, former police officer Rafael Dumlao III, and businessman Atong Ang, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Monday.
During a press conference, Remulla noted that while these three have been processed, the government is still awaiting the approval of a similar request for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
“Yung kay Zaldy Co, it was filed September 2025, hindi pa gina-grant ang red notice niya. So complied na lahat ’yun,” the secretary explained.
A Red Notice serves as a global alert for law enforcement to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition or surrender.
The move marks an escalation in the search for several high-profile fugitives:
- Gerald Bantag: Wanted since April 2023 for the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid and inmate Jun Villamor. He currently carries a ₱2-million bounty.
- Rafael Dumlao III: Convicted by the Court of Appeals in July 2024 for the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, with a ₱1-million reward for his capture.
- Atong Ang: Facing charges related to kidnapping and serious illegal detention involving the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts.
Following a command conference with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Remulla expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress of these manhunts, urging the 200,000-strong police force to produce results.
“Medyo binoldyak ko na yung mga pulis natin. Sabi ko, 200,000 kayo, alangan naman di n’yo kayang hanapin tatlong tao lang, di ba? Galingan n’yo na,” he said.