BI can’t stop Jacky Co, alleged drug smuggler in Lacson expose, from leaving PHL

Chinese citizen Zhijian Xu, alias Jacky Co, is neither on the Bureau of Immigration's  watch list nor is he in the database of personalities with a hold departure order from the courts, a bureau official said on Thursday.

According to Jam Sisante-Cayco's report on "24 Oras", BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the bureau could not prevent a passenger from leaving the country without the said requisites.

The BI had earlier said that based on its initial probe, there were no Interpol and travel records matching that of the information disclosed by Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday.

Lacson questioned the smooth entry and exit in the Philippines of a certain Jacky Co whom he alleged was responsible for the shipment of 276 kilos of suspected shabu seized at the Manila International Container Port on March 22.

The shipment had a street value of P1.8 billion.

Sandoval said that the bureau would coordinate with Lacson's office to gather more information about the alleged drug suspect.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was still reviewing its records about the Chinese national's background and identity.

"Kasalukuyan tayong nagve-verify kung ano ang kaniyang background at ano meron tayo sa records natin," PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News