Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said he could tap the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim.
Lim is the subject of an arrest warrant issued on Aug. 14 by the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 65 Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos after probable cause was found to prosecute him for violation of Sections 26 (b) in relation to Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) or Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Drug Trade.
“The issuance of the warrant means that the judge has also found probable cause against the accused,” he said in a text message.
“The warrant of arrest is generally addressed to all law enforcement agencies, including the NBI. If the police fail to find the accused, I will direct the NBI to assist the PNP,” he added.
The Makati Court also said there is enough evidence to hold self-confessed drug trader Kerwin Espinosa, state witness Marcelo Adorco and Rule Malindangan for trial.
Espinosa is currently under the custody of Witness Protection Program while also facing other drug cases before the Manila RTC, while Adorco is under the custody of the Philippine National Police — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Malindangan, on the other hand, remains at-large.
The RTC set the arraignment of the accused for the non-bailable charges in a hearing on August 28 at 1:30 a.m. /ee
READ: Makati court orders arrest of Peter Lim