Cash reward out for info on Peter Lim's location

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice is offering cash reward for anyone who can help locate businessman Peter Lim, who is facing arrest for drug charges.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday said in a message to reporters that the government “is ready to give a reward of P500,000 to anyone who can give information on the exact whereabouts” of Lim.

Guevarra said that the reward will be given if the information will lead to the arrest of Lim.

The DOJ indicted Lim, a Cebu-based businessman, for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade under Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Since the warrant was issued by a Makati court, authorities have yet to locate Lim.

Police have already visited Lim’s several houses in Cebu, but the authorities have yet to serve warrant against the businessman.

Lim and his co-accused, who include self-confessed drug trader Kerwin Espinosa, Marcelo Adorco and Ruel Malindangan are supposed to attend a hearing on Friday afternoon at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 65.

The hearing was however suspended following the announcement of Makati court’s Executive Judge Elmo Alameda of cancelation of work due to Typhoon Ompong.

Lim has yet to be arraigned in the case since trial started last August 28.

Coddlers to be punished

The Justice chief has also reiterated the warning against those who are coddling Lim. 

Guevarra said that “persons coddling [Lim], who has been indicted for conspiracy to trade illegal drugs that they will be prosecuted for obstruction of justice and punished accordingly.”

READ: DOJ warns of raps vs Peter Lim coddlers

Obstruction of justice is punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Presidential Decree No. 1829.

It has been a month since the Makati court has issued a warrant against Lim but the businessman continues to evade arrest.

Central Visayas police believe that even before the warrant was issued, Lim has already left Cebu.

The PNP is closely working with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and Armed Forces of the Philippines to lock down Lim's location.