Cedric Lee and Simeon “Zimmer Raz” Palma, co-accused in the mauling of actor-host Vhong Navarro were arrested in Oras, Eastern Samar as confirmed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima on Saturday, April 26, 2014 .
The Justice Secretary told dzBB radio that the National Bureau of Investigation “cornered” Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz in Oras, Eastern Samar.
“Kumpirmado po. Binalita sa akin ni (NBI) Director (Virgilio) Mendez at Deputy Director (Rafael) Ragos… naaresto ng NBI authorities,” Leila de Lima said. The NBI formed a task force that led to the arrest of Vhong Navarro’s assailant.
Leila de Lima also cited an initial report that Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz tried to escape from the authorities on Friday, April 25, 2014 but then they realized that they were surrounded by the NBI agents. “Ultimately nag-surrender ang dalawa,” she added.
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Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz will be transfer to NBI main office in Manila. A report earlier surfaced online which stated that Cedric Lee and company were hiding somewhere in Cebu.
The authorities are currently conducting manhunt operations on Cedric Lee’s co-accused which include controversial model Deniece Cornejo, Jed Fernandez and Ferdinand Guerrero who has been issued with arrest warrants for serious illegal detention case, a non-bailable case.
According to the report of Bombo Radyo Philippines, one of the mauling suspects of Vhong Navarro has already turned as state-witness against Cedric Lee and company. The co-accused is now under the custody of DOJ’s Witness Protection Program.
The “state-witness” whose name is withheld has reportedly submitted a sworn affidavit where gave details for the “Oplan Bugbog” planned by Cedric Lee against VhongNavarro.