Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21) — President Rodrigo Duterte seems more convinced now that businessman Peter Lim is involved in illegal drug operations.

Malacañang on Thursday said this could be the reason for the President's stern warning against Lim, who is on the run for drug charges.

Duterte in a speech Wednesday night said it would be better for the alleged drug lord to commit suicide since he would face 200 years in jail if he surrenders. "Never ever surrender to me alive… I-abbreviate mo na. Ikaw na magtali sa leeg mo," Duterte said.

READ: Duterte warns of a 'bloodier' drug war amid floating cocaine discoveries

When asked why Duterte is now going tough on Lim, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it seems that the President has more basis to do so.

"Siguro some time ago, nung sinasabi mong soft pa siya, walang masyadong ebidensya against him. Baka marami nang ebidensya to convince the president that he (Lim) is really behind many operations concerning drug activities," Panelo said.

Authorities have been hunting down Lim following the arrest order issued against him in August 2018 on charges of conspiracy to commit illegal trading. His co-accused, self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa, earlier told a Senate hearing that Lim was his supplier in selling and distributing illegal drugs in the Visayas.

Lim earlier denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade including the allegations made by Duterte that he is part of a Chinese triad leading the Visayas operations. He even personally appeared to the President, his kumpadre (co-sponsor) in a wedding, to clear his name.

Malacañang has said Duterte does not personally know Lim, and they only happened to be fellow sponsors in the wedding.

Panelo said Malacañang has no idea about Lim's whereabouts since the accused drug lord has not reached out to the Palace even after Duterte's statements on Wednesday.