Zamboanga City agents of the NBI, police intensify search for Napoles, brother

Janet Lim-Napoles. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Western Mindanao and the local police are on alert for a possible sighting of Janet Lim Napoles and Reynald Luy Lim who may try to sneak out of the country via the backdoor.

Napoles and her brother, Lim, have been ordered arrested in connection with the illegal detention case filed against them by whistleblower Benhur Luy, who along with other witnesses, alleged Napoles’ involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

According to lawyer Rustico Vigilia, NBI director for Western Mindanao, Napoles and Lim have relatives and properties in Zamboanga City and Basilan, “hence we are seeking also the support of the people since both can also be arrested through citizen’s arrest.”

“Anything is possible now, they (Napoles and Lim) may explore all means,” Vigilia said.

The NBI, Vigilia said, has been working closely with the security forces in seaports, airports and bus terminals.

Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, police chief for Zamboanga City, said his forces have been “closely monitoring all areas.”

Chief Inspector Edwin Placio, operations officer of the Basilan Police, said they have alerted forces in Maluso town, even sending “some personnel to monitor if Napoles and Lim are in the area.”