Ex-BOC intel officer in P11-B ‘shabu’ scandal now under DOJ custody

Resigned Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban is now placed under the government’s witness protection program (WPP). 

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed that Guban was turned over Thursday to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Yes. As ordered by the Blue Ribbon,” Sotto said in a text message, when asked about Guban’s transfer to the DOJ. 

The Senate leader was referring to the Senate blue ribbon committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon that has been conducting an inquiry into the alleged P11 billion worth of shabu smuggled into the country via concealment in several magnetic lifters.

Sotto said Senate Sergeant at Arms Jose Balajadia informed him about the transfer  of Guban to DOJ through a text message.

In the text message, Balajadia told Sotto that Guban was turned over to the  DOJ around 12:20 p.m. Thursday.

“Mr. Guban has has been turned over to the DOJ WPP. He was fetched by chief of operations of the WPP and his name is Benito Talabucon,” Balajadia said.

“We have documents of the turnover and receiving copy by chief Talabucon,” he added.

READ: DOJ: Guban now under witness protection program

Guban was initially detained in the Senate for his alleged refusal to tell the truth during the hearings. But he was later considered a witness and placed under “protective custody” of the chamber.  /kga