NBI on alert as Lacson's Schengen visa to expire soon

MANILA, Philippines - National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula has alerted the agency’s Interpol division after receiving a report that the Schengen visa of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson will soon expire.

The NBI Interpol division, headed by Claro de Castro Jr., was ordered to continue to open its line to its Interpol counterparts, especially in Europe.

Lacson has earlier been placed on the Interpol’s Red Notice after he fled the country in January days before he was charged with two counts of murder before the Manila regional trial court for his alleged involvement in the November 2000 murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito.

Lacson earlier said he was politically persecuted by the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As his Schengen visa will expire soon, Lacson’s movement will be more limited and he cannot cross from one border to another in Europe easily. A Schengen visa allows a person to enter and cross borders of 25 Schengen states in Europe, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

The NBI earlier said Lacson was reportedly seen in Rome months ago.

The Department of Justice, which earlier recommended the filing of murder charges against Lacson, recommended no bail for the senator and stressed he cannot invoke parliamentary immunity from arrest and detention as it is only applicable for crimes punishable below three years.