Lim out of Cebu

Controversial businessman Peter Lim is no longer in Cebu, the Police Regional Office - 7 confirmed yesterday.

PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas said Lim left the province even before the warrant against him for illegal drugs was issued, but the businessman may still be in the country.

Sinas made the statement two days after cops tried to serve the warrant against Lim at his two known addresses here.

“He is somewhere in Metro Manila, because accordingly, some of those who are privy sa iyaha, just before nigawas ang warrant, tua na sila sa Manila, gi-ready na nila ilang mga appeal, and motion for reconsiderations, sa Supreme Court, kay gi-expect mugawas ang warrant so they are not already here,” Sinas said.

The PNP is working closely with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in monitoring Lim's whereabouts.

The warrant against Lim was issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on August 14, however, CCPO received a copy only on August 17.

Authorities have until August 27 to serve the warrant.

Asked if the PNP monitored Lim even before the warrant was issued, Sinas said this cannot be the case.

“Wala pa warrant, amo na gi-monitor? Gusto niyo ba to? Gusto niyo ba to nga wala pa order sa court, amo na mo i-monitor, amo na mo i-close in? Kamo pud uy… diba? We respect everybody's rights,” Sinas said.

Responding to criticisms that the PNP's intelligence mechanism is unreliable, Sinas said they respect the views of other people but would rather that they help the police track Lim.

“If storya nila nga hina og intelligence ang PNP, sila na nagstorya ato, dili kami. Mas maayo sila, istorya nila sa amoa, para among dakpon. That's why I am appealing to the public to help us also, wala kami sa tanan corners,” he said.

He said the police cannot give a monetary reward to whoever can provide information about Lim's whereabouts.

“Wala mi kwarta for the reward, ngano mag dangling man ko reward? Reward o wala, the police will implement the law. Wala mi kwarta pang reward, specific among budget,” he said.

He reiterated that whoever is helping hide Lim can be held liable criminally.

Lim and several others are facing charges for conspiracy, sale, trading administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Crime Investigations Unit.