A lookout bulletin memorandum (LBM) was issued yesterday against former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and several others in connection with the January 24, 2011 killing of broadcast journalist Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in a two-page memorandum ordered the Bureau of Immigration “to be on the lookout on” Reyes, et al. “should any of them pass through immigration counter in any international airport.”
Reyes’ brother Coron Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, close-in aide Arturo Regalado and Valentin Lecias were also included in the LBM.
De Lima said unlike a watchlist order or hold departure order, an LBM would not prevent Reyes and his cop-accused from leaving the country.
The DOJ chief said an outstanding temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court prevented her office from issuing a hold departure order against Reyes, et al.
“Relative thereto, please find the attached copy of the memorandum dated March 13, 2012, wherein the Secretary of Justice directed the Commissioner of Immigration “to instruct all immigration officers to be on the lookout for the following accused should any of them pass through the immigration counters in any of our international airports and/or seaports.”
In the meantime, Mika, the eldest daughter of Ortega, lauded De Lima for issuing the directive.
She said they were hopeful the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of the Puerto Princesa City handling the case would issue an HDO and warrant of arrest against Reyes which were expected to be released on Tuesday.
“Tuesday (today) might be the earliest for issuance of warrant,” Mika stressed.
On March 13, the DOJ indicted Reyes (MJT) and several others for murder charges after the DOJ reversed its own ruling in connection with the killing of Ortega.
The panel of prosecutors in its new ruling found probable cause to indict Reyes, et al. for the crime.
Although the panel upheld the finding of probable cause against those previously indicted—and are behind bars— for murder, namely, Rodolfo Edrad, Jr., Armando Noel, Jr., Dennis Aranas, and Arwin Arandia, it reversed the finding of insufficiency of evidence in the same charge against Reyes, et al.
The panel, however, found no enough evidence to charge Jose Antonio Carrion, former Marinduque governor as there was no sufficient proof presented to prove that he was part of the alleged conspiracy.
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