Gov’t offers P500K for info on Peter Lim’s whereabouts

“The government is also ready to give a reward of PHP500,000 to anyone who can give information on the exact whereabouts of accused Peter Go Lim, provided that such information will lead to the actual arrest of said fugitive.” (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — The government has put up a bounty on fugitive businessman and alleged drug lord Peter Lim, who is facing drug charges in a Makati court, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday.

“The government is also ready to give a reward of PHP500,000 to anyone who can give information on the exact whereabouts of accused Peter Go Lim, provided that such information will lead to the actual arrest of said fugitive,” Guevarra told reporters.

He also warned persons coddling Lim, who has been indicted for conspiracy to trade in illegal drugs, that they will be prosecuted for obstruction of justice.

Last Aug. 28, during the arraignment, neither Lim nor his co-accused Ruel Malindangan showed up but the other two accused — self-confessed drug dealer Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa and Marcelo Adorco — pleaded not guilty to the two counts of the non-bailable offense of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade.

Both Espinosa and Adorco are in government custody, while Malindangan is at-large and is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 65 Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos.

Last Aug. 14, the court issued a warrant of arrest against Lim after evaluating the information and supporting evidence filed by the Department of Justice.

Palamos also ordered the Bureau of Immigration to prevent Lim from leaving the country by issuing a Hold Departure Order on Aug. 17, 2018.

Espinosa, Adorco, and Malindangan are also facing two counts of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade at the Manila RTC and Makati RTC, along with convicted drug lord Peter Co and alleged drug supplier Lovely Impal.