Small world

Like rats leaving the sinking ship. This is how I see the attempts of Cedric Lee and Ferdinand Guerrero, both accused in the Vhong Navarro mauling case who now have warrants of arrests for the case of grave coercion. Lee was reported to have booked a flight for Dubai, but after his plans leaked out, the flight was cancelled. Guerrero on the other hand, tried to leave for Hong Kong on one of the first flights out of the country. After engaging the immigration officer in some friendly chit-chat, an obvious attempt to distract, he was recognized by the officer when an alert popped up on her computer. Apparently there already exists a lookout order on all of the accused in the case. Short of a hold departure order, the lookout flags anyone trying to leave the country. The commotion set off by the discovery prevented Guerrero from leaving, not after he hurled invectives, threatened to sue and yelled at authorities at the airport. I guess that's what it feels when one's world is getting smaller.

Flight is an indication of guilt. We have heard that saying before, in spite of the mundane explanations of lawyers on their clients' reason for traveling. I laud the Immigration officer who was able to prevent Guerrero from leaving, otherwise it would have been another Ramona Bautista case where she was able to evade authorities and face justice by leaving the country. She is still at large. Why would Guerrero leave, if they are absolutely certain what they did was to help a maiden in utter distress? So much for their apparent chivalry.

The accused can still post bail, since the warrant of arrest was only for the case of grave coercion. The more serious case of illegal detention is currently being heard. This case is non-bailable. I hope the decision comes out soon, before any more tricks are employed, or attempts to leave the country are made. The authorities must also realize that there are several international airports in the country, and not just NAIA. Jovito Palparan tried to flee the country by booking a flight at the Clark International Airport. He was prevented from leaving, but is currently in hiding.

I also commend the DOJ for issuing the lookout order quickly, realizing early the capability of the accused to leave the country. After all, Cedric Lee himself has admitted to being rich. As for those accused who do not easily have the means to leave the country, I guess they would have been left to fend for themselves should the attempts of Lee and Guerrero became successful. So much for friendship. Perhaps they should review just how good a friend they all are to each other. I'm just saying.