DOJ seeks hold order vs Peter Lim

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday asked a Makati court to issue a hold departure order against Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim, who was recently indicted for drug trading for supposedly conspiring with confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and others. 

Records from the Bureau of Immigration showed that Lim left the country in March.

The DOJ did not mention the actual date and Lim’s destination.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde welcomed the indictment of Lim and Espinosa.

“Whether one is rich or poor, an influential businessman or an ordinary person, the law applies equally to all,” Albayalde said.

?The DOJ has filed charges of drug trading against Espinosa, Lim, Marcelo Adorco and Ruel Malindangan before the Makati City regional trial court.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Authorities tagged Lim as the source of shabu allegedly sold by the Espinosa group in Regions 7 and 8 in 2013 and 2014.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutors Juan Pedro Navera, Anna Noreen Devanadera and prosecution attorney Herbert Calvin Abugan penned the DOJ resolution that found probable cause to indict the respondents.

DOJ prosecutors gave weight to Espinosa’s confession during a Senate hearing and Adorco’s positive identification of Lim as one of Espinosa’s suppliers of drugs. – Cecille Suerte Felipe