MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate how an alleged big-time drug smuggler managed to flee the country and verify reports the suspect paid some P50 million in bribes to do so.

Anthony Ang is facing charges for attempting to smuggle in some 700 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in May last year through a business he owned inside the Subic Bay Freeport. Authorities have called it the biggest drug haul in the country.

The drugs are considered the biggest haul in the country.

“I have ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation on this,” Gonzalez said.

He said he wants to pin down those responsible for allowing Ang to escape.

Gonzalez said he referred the NBI to Olongapo prosecutor Emelie Fe Delos Santos, who prosecuted the case against Ang.

Ang has reportedly fled to China.