Lacson flew to HK on Jan 5 — Immigration chief

Senator Panfilo Lacson left the country for Hong Kong on January 5, two days before he was charged with double murder in connection with the killings of publicist Salvador 'Bubby' Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said on Tuesday. Libanan also told Senate reporters that the senator has yet to return to the country. "Na-monitor namin umalis si Senator Lacson dito sa atin nung January 5 at 7:30 (in the morning) via CX904 papuntang Hongkong," he said. Last January 7, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said government prosecutors had filed murder charges against Lacon at the Manila regional trial court, where a branch is already handling the revival of the double-murder case in connection with the killings of Dacer and Corbito on November 24, 2000. According to Libanan, Lacson was able to leave the country because his name was not in the BI's watchlist then. "Walang watchlist, walang hold-departure order that is why he was able to leave the country by that time. Ngayong may kaso na siya, nasa watchlist na siya," Libanan said. The immigration chief said Lacson was only included in the watchlist a week after he left the country. Asked if they would know if the senator went to other countries after going to Hong Kong, Libanan said no. On Monday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Lacson was not able to attend the sessions because the latter was out of the country . [See: Lacson out of the country - Enrile] - LBG, GMANews.TV