The Philippine government will request Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste following the issuance of a court warrant for his arrest, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday.
Speaking during an ambush interview in Laguna, Remulla said that intelligence reports tracked the lawmaker in Germany.
“It seems they are in Germany now. That is our latest information,” Remulla said. “So we’re going to apply, the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime will apply, so we can secure a Red Notice.”
The move comes after Branch 235 of the Makati City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant dated October 5 against Leviste for alleged violations of the Public Service Act, setting bail at P72,000 for his temporary liberty.
Remulla publicly urged Leviste, along with former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, to return to the country and submit to judicial processes.
Velasco and his spouse are reportedly in Japan. The former Speaker was recently implicated by an ex-policeman who claimed Velasco ordered the delivery of suitcases filled with cash to Vice President Sara Duterte and her family during the previous administration.
Addressing the fugitives, Remulla urged them to face the allegations directly instead of remaining abroad.
“Well, as usual, return home. This also goes for the Velasco couple,” Remulla said. “Return, face the charges, face the accusations because you will gain nothing by hiding.”