Lascañas: Lacson should understand my situation

Former cop and self-confessed hitman Arturo Lascañas on Tuesday said he expected Sen. Panfilo Lacson, of all people, to understand why he had to leave for Singapore. (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA—Former cop and self-confessed hitman Arturo Lascañas on Tuesday said he expected Sen. Panfilo Lacson, of all people, to understand why he had to leave for Singapore.

Lascañas made this statement after Lacson questioned his and his family’s leaving the country and wanted to know who funded their trip.

To recall, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier reported that Lascañas left the country last Saturday (April 8). He is set to return on April 22.

“Sa lahat ng tao, si Senator Lacson dapat ang pinaka makakaunawa sa aking kalagayan. Hinanap sya ng awtoridad at umalis sya dahil sa pangamba sa kanyang safety,” Lascañas said in a text message sent by the staff of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

(“Of all people, Senator Lacson should understand my situation the most. Authorities looked for him and he left the country for fear of his safety.”)

In 2010, Lacson was charged with a double murder case which made him flee the country to hide in Hong Kong. However, the Supreme Court later dismissed his case in 2013.

Lascañas said when Lacson was a wanted man, there were still people who believed he was innocent, so it was not surprising to know that there would people who would feel the same about him.

“Marami din ang naniwala sa kanya na tama ang kanyang ginagawa kaya maraming tumulong sa kanyang pagalis . Ganun din sa akin. Maraming naniniwala at nagmamalasakit kaya nila ako tinutulungan,” he added.

(“Many believed that he did the right thing that’s why there were many who helped him leave. The same goes for me. There are many people who believe me and care for me, that’s why they’re helping me.”)

A report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) noted that Lascañas decided to leave the country after receiving information that a lawsuit will be filed against him.

The exact reason for Lascañas’ departure has not yet been confirmed.

Last Feb. 20, Lascañas said that there was indeed a Davao Death Squad and that he merely lied during a previous Senate hearing in October 2016 when he first denied its existence.