CEBU BUSINESSMAN and suspected drug lord Peter Lim is believed to be hiding in the country, according to the Department of Justice, but police have difficulty in tracking down the elusive millionaire who is facing charges.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said there were no records that Lim, who left the country in March and returned home – had fled to escape the drug charges filed in court against him.
He said for now, there is no need to seek assistance from Interpol. “It’s too early to alert Interpol. No record that Peter Lim has left the country since his indictment,” he said.
Records from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Lim left the country in March and returned four days later. Since then, there was no record of his departure.
Guevarra earlier warned persons coddling Lim, who has been indicted for conspiracy to trade in illegal drugs, that they will be prosecuted for obstruction of justice. A bounty was also put up for any information that could lead to Lim’s arrest.
“The government is also ready to give a reward of P500,000 to anyone who can provide information on the exact whereabouts of accused Peter Go Lim, provided that such information will lead to the actual arrest of said fugitive,” he said.
Lim was arraigned in absentia on August 28. The court issued a warrant of arrest against Lim after evaluating the information and supporting evidence filed by the Department of Justice. Palamos also ordered the BI to prevent Lim from leaving the country by issuing a Hold Departure Order last August 17. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
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