De Lima orders NBI to locate Ramona Bautista – report

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Sunday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to work with the International Police Organization (Interpol) to track down Ramona Bautista, suspect in the murder of her brother Ramgen, radio dzRH reported. De Lima gave this instruction two days after Ramona flew out of the Philippines with the Bureau of Immigration’s consent. Immigrations officials said Ramona was likely on her way to Turkey. In particular, De Lima said the NBI should look into the possibility of having Ramona placed on the Interpol’s “Red Notice" list even if local authorities have yet to issue an arrest warrant against her. The Interpol says a Red Notice seeks “the arrest or provisional arrest of wanted person with a view to extradition." The Philippines does not have an extradition treaty with Turkey. De Lima cited the statement of Sen. Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr., Ramona’s half-brother, that she has much to explain about the murder of Ramgen in Parañaque last October 28. The Palace earlier said it is, for now, leaving the matter to the Philippine National Police. The issue is currently considered a law enforcement matter, said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. — PE/KBK, GMA News