Pimentel wants ‘national manhunt’ for alleged Binay bagman

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday called for a “national manhunt” for Gerry Limlingan, the alleged dummy and bagman of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

READ: Limlingan brothers deny being Binay dummies

“Where in the world is Gerry Limlingan?” Pimentel said when the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, which he chairs, resumed its hearing on corruption allegations against Binay.

The senator said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had no records of Limlingan’s departure in the country.

“We have to find Mr. Limlingan and hear his testimony before terminating this (investigation),” Pimentel said.

“Itutuloy natin ang paghanap kay Gerry Limlingan at gawin na lang nating national manhunt at tayo ngayon ay nanawagan sa NBI, PNP (Philippine National Police), at sa taumbayan na tulungan ang Sergeant at Arms para dito sa paghahanap kay Gerry Limlingan,” he added.

NBI Director Virgilio Mendez, who was at the hearing, agreed with Pimentel’s statement, saying their efforts to find Limlingan yielded negative results.

READ: NBI can’t find Limlingan at known addresses

Limlingan’s brother, Victor, who was also at the hearing, said he has no communication with his brother and that also he had no information of his whereabouts.

Victor pointed out that when his brother was shot and almost killed in 2010, they made an arrangement that it was Gerry who would contact him when he needs anything from him.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, however, said he was not buying Victor’s alibi. Maila Ager/IDL