NBI Seeks Lookout Order for Leviste, Others in Alleged Plot vs. Recto

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, former lawmaker Jing Paras, and five other individuals implicated in an alleged plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. This stems from the NBI’s complaint for qualified human trafficking filed against the respondents over the alleged ploy. The complaint is currently under evaluation, with a decision pending on whether it will be returned to the NBI or proceed to preliminary investigation. NBI agents previously rescued several individuals during an entrapment operation. Some of the rescued victims have claimed that Paras allegedly told them they would be paid to create a story and sign an affidavit, and that they would receive their payment in tranches as the case progressed. Leviste's camp has previously denied involvement in the supposed ploy, while Paras' camp stated that the alleged talent manager approached them voluntarily to testify and asked for help in drafting the affidavit. —LDF, GMA News