THE regional office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7) were alerted yesterday following reports that businessman Cedric Lee, who is facing arrest for the detention and mauling of TV personality Vhong Navarro, is in Cebu.
“We received reports last night (Tuesday) that he (Lee) is in Cebu. We’re checking that report,” NBI Regional Director Max Salvador told reporters yesterday.
He said they already received a copy of the arrest warrant in relation with the grave coercion case filed against him by TV host-comedian Vhong Navarro.
Lee, along with his sister, Bernice, model Deniece Cornejo and four other persons, were charged by Navarro with grave coercion after they allegedly tried to frame him for rape in January.
The actor denied raping Cornejo and claimed that he was set up and mauled by the group so that he would be forced to give them money.
Cornejo, Sajed Fernandez Abuhijleh a.k.a. Jed Fernandez and Bernice have, thus far, posted bail to secure temporary liberty.
Authorities continue to look for Lee, Simeon Palma Raz aka Zimmer Raz, Jose Paolo Gregorio Calma and Ferdinand Guerrero. Calma reportedly left the country on April 10.
“Based on the report we received, only Cedric Lee is in Cebu. If we’ll find him (Lee) here, then we will put him under arrest,” Salvador said.
Charges of serious illegal detention filed against Lee and the others were pending before the Taguig City Regional Trial Court.
Serious illegal detention is a non-bailable offense.