NBI arrests Cedric Lee in Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Saturday said fugitive businessman Cedric Lee has been arrested in Oras, Eastern Samar, along with Simeon Palma alias Zimmer Raz, another suspect in the mauling incident of actor Vhong Navarro.

De Lima said Lee and Raz were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation after the Taguig City Regional Trial Court on Monday issued arrest warrants for serious illegal detention, a non-bailable offense, against them. Jed Fernandez, Ferdinand Guerrero and Deniece Cornejo were also ordered arrested.

Last week, the Taguig City Metropolitan Trial Court issued arrest warrants against the group, including Lee's sister, Bernice, and Jose Paolo Calma, for grave coercion. Bernice, Cornejo and Fernandez posted P12,000 bail for the offense.

Calma left the Philippines on April 10 amid a lookout order against him. Lee planned to leave the country last April 12 for Dubai, but canceled the trip after the information leaked. Guerrero was blocked by immigration officers on April 14 after attempting to leave for Hong Kong.