NBI denies Lacson in RP

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) denied yesterday reports that fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson is in the Philippines and ready to surrender.

In separate interviews, NBI-Interpol Division chief Claro de Castro Jr., Deputy Director for Intelligence Services Ruel Lasala, and Assistant Director Pedro Bulaong said it is very unlikely that Lacson had returned to the Philippines without being noticed by the authorities.

Lacson is wanted by authorities for his alleged involvement in the November 2000 Dacer-Corbito double murder. The case is pending before a Manila court.

Several reporters and crew members of news agencies staked out the NBI headquarters starting early yesterday morning after rumors floated that Lacson was “going to surrender” to the NBI. 

Lasala said if Lacson had returned to the Philippines, the Air Transportation Office would have been alerted if he boarded a commercial flight or a private plane.

Immigration authorities said Lacson has not entered the Philippines as of yesterday afternoon.  – Sandy Araneta