DOJ issues lookout order vs De Lima, 5 others

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Sen. Leila de Lima and five others for their alleged involvement in the Bilibid drug trade.

The order also covers former DOJ undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, De Lima's former driver Ronnie Dayan, former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Reginald Villasanta and De Lima's security aide Joenel Sanchez.

"Based on the request of the NBI, the individuals subject of this ILBO are allegedly involved in the proliferation and trade of illegal drugs inside the National Bilibid Prison and other areas," the order read.

The lookout departure order requires the subjects to ask permit from the DOJ for trips outside the country.

According to a report from The STAR, the DOJ said that the subjects may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of legal process by leaving the country.

An ILBO may be issued on individuals facing fact-finding or preliminary investigations.

Police authorities have issued a subpoena against Baraan and Dayan last week, ordering them to attend the House of Representatives committee on justice's inquiry.

Baraan, however, had left the country for the United States last August while the whereabouts of Dayan is still unknown, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in a press briefing last week.

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