Not his wanted brother’s keeper

MANILA, Philippines—The brother of one of the suspects in the Vizconde massacre case was prevented by immigration authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) from leaving the country on Tuesday.

Diego Filart, brother of Joey Filart, one of the two accused in the case who are still at large, was prevented by the immigration officials from boarding his Cathay Pacific flight for the United States via Hong Kong.

Diego’s name apparently appeared on the computer system as among those who have a Hold Departure Order from the Department of Justice.

Diego was reportedly in possession of a clearance for travel abroad issued by the Department of Justice dated April 9, 2011.

However, immigration officers did not honor the document, saying clearance should have come from the main office of the Bureau of Immigration.

“Apparently, the immigration here at the airport has not yet received the official transmittal of the order from the Bureau of Immigration main office,” a source at the airport said.

Diego explained that he was previously mistaken for his brother Joey, who remains at large.

“He (Diego) said he already surfaced at the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to clear his name after he was issued a subpoena,” the source added, saying Diego did not mention any details about Joey’s whereabouts.