Tagged as drug lord, Lim fears for his life

Peter Lim grants a short interview to reporters at his office in Hilton Motors in Mandaue City. Although he appeared calm, the Chinese-Filipino businessman said he fears for his life. -Ador Vincent Mayol, INQPP

CEBU CITY—“I’m scared for my life.”

Businessman Peter Lim on Thursday expressed this concern after a case was filed against him for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“Because of the false accusation against me, people might think it’s true,” Lim said in a news conference.

“It’s not easy to be accused of something you have never done,” he said. “I have to face the case.”

The 70-year-old businessman has been named by President Duterte as one of the country’s biggest drug lords.

He was also identified by self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa as one of his suppliers of “shabu” (crystal meth).

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed a case against Lim, Espinosa and six others for alleged conspiracy to commit “sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals.”

The activity happened in Makati City, Central and Eastern Visayas from February 2013 to August 2015, the CIDG said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has called Lim to a preliminary investigation on Aug. 14 and 17.

The Chinese-Filipino businessman has repeatedly denied the accusations against him.

“It’s a big lie and is fabricated. The allegations are not true. I’ve never been in that kind of business, and I will never be in that kind of business,” Lim said.

He said he welcomed the DOJ inquest. “I’m happy that we’re given the opportunity. Finally, I can clear my name.”

Asked if he would request for police escorts to quell possible threats to his life, Lim said: “I don’t think the police will give me escorts.”