NBI seeks lookout bulletin vs Leviste, Paras, 5 others

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is seeking an immigration lookout bulletin order against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and six others linked to an alleged honey trap planned against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Photos showed Leviste getting into an Uber in France, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said.

“That was on Aug. 6, after which he went to Switzerland. The latest information is that he is in France,” Matibag said.

Matibag will seek the Department of Justice’s issuance of an immigration alert to prevent Leviste and others from evading legal proceedings.

Qualified human trafficking charges were filed on Sept. 4 by the NBI against Leviste and others involved in an alleged scheme to frame Recto.

Leviste and his mother Sen. Loren Legarda left the country on Aug. 2.

Authorities can coordinate with Philippine embassies and the International Police Organization once arrest warrants are issued, Matibag said.

Arresting them would be a challenge if respondents abroad apply for asylum, he noted.

“I hope he comes home to face the case,” Matibag said.