DILG to seek Interpol Red Notice vs Leviste

MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will seek an Interpol Red Notice against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they will coordinate with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) to locate and facilitate Leviste’s arrest, as authorities believe he is currently in Germany.

“Parang nasa Germany sila ngayon, ayan ang latest namin. So a-applyan namin sa Center for Transnational Crimes para makuha na [ang] Red Notice,” Remulla said.

The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235 issued the arrest warrant against Leviste on October 5 over an alleged violation of Section 25 of the Public Service Act. The court set his bail at P72,000.

Remulla also urged Leviste to return to the Philippines and face the allegations against him.

“Well, as usual, umuwi na sila. Pero kasama na rin ‘yung mag-asawang Velasco. Umuwi na rin kayo, face the charges, face the accusations, kasi walang nagagawa ‘yung nagtatago eh,” he said.

The DILG’s move comes as authorities continue to look into allegations involving other individuals who are reportedly abroad.

Remulla had earlier challenged former Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and his wife to return to the country and face questions over allegations involving the delivery of money.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had also invited the Velascos to clear the air on the allegations.

The developments involving Leviste are separate from the allegations concerning the Velascos.

The case against Leviste remains pending before the court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.