‘Threats’ force ‘shabu consignee’ to skip Senate hearing

Feeling “threatened,” the consignee on record of the alleged multi-billion-peso shabu that purportedly slipped through the Bureau of Customs (BoC) was a no show at the resumption of a Senate probe on Tuesday.

Marina Signapan of SMYD Trading claimed that suspicious looking men had been watching her house and following her around, her counsel Katrina Talon told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

BoC records show Signapan as the consignee of the shipment of four magnetic lifters that went through security inspection while allegedly containing P11-billion worth of illegal drugs.

“We apologize for the absence of Ms. Marina Signapan. Actually, she already confirmed her attendance and she was intending to go. However, she has been feeling weak the past few days given the threat to her safety,” Talon said.

The lawyer explained that a day after attending an investigation at the Bureau of Customs, several police officers from Cavite went to Signapan’s house and served a search warrant supposedly after receiving a tip that the latter possessed firearms.

Talon said the search warrant was issued by an executive judge of Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Signapan, she said, was not home when the warrant was served. No firearms were found at her home , the lawyer said.

The lawyer noted that there was no case or ongoing investigation pertaining to the firearms.

“As of the moment, we have not yet challenged the warrant,” Talon said.

The lawyer said that last week, Signapan was called to testify at a congressional hearing.

“Immediately thereafter, she (Signapan) noticed several men watching her house and following her around,” Talon said.

“We have not confirmed the identity of the men but she’s been feeling threatened because of that, your honor,” she added.

Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the committee, said the Senate provided security personnel for the resource person but Signapan asked that they be removed.

The lawyer confirmed this, saying they asked for the termination of the security detail because Signapan could no longer provide for the needs of her security.

“Because of this case, she has not been able to proceed with her legitimate businesses anymore so she has no other source of income. She’s has been finding it difficult for her to provide for their needs,” Talon said, referring to Signapan’s security. /cbb

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