PDEA chief clears ex-Duterte adviser Michael Yang of drug links

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino affirmed on Wednesday that Michael Yang, former economic adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte has been cleared of illegal drug allegations, for now.

“As of now, he is clear. I believe the President. Michael Yang is clear until such time may makuhang evidence na ma-pinpoint pero sa ngayon wala kaming makitang ebidensya,” Aquino said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.

Yang was implicated by Eduardo Acierto, the sacked former deputy director for administration of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG), to the illegal drugs trade.

READ: Ex-cop linked to P11-B ‘shabu’ smuggling fears for life

READ: Medialdea: Palace looking for intel on Michael Yang’s drug links
Aquino said he asked his regional director in the Davao region 11 to probe drug allegations against Yang but found no evidence.

“Based dun sa information na nakalap sa regional director kay Michael Yang, wala silang nakikitang involvement ni Michael Yang related sa illegal drugs,” Aquino said.

Aquino also confirmed that they conducted an investigation on Duterte’s economic adviser, but only found a report about drug pusher in Pangasinan with the same name.

“We were able to get one report sa National Drug Information System. It is a PDEA watchlist may isang Michael Yang na alleged drug pusher in Pangasinan, and the report was in 2004,” said Aquino.

Aquino denied that the Michael Yang from Pangasinan was the one behind Acierto’s accusations, saying Yang was only a drug pusher and not a drug lord.

“Kasi kung titignan ko yung report, alleged drug pusher parang ang baba ng Michael Yang na pusher. Samantalang ang sinasabi ni Col Acierto ay drug lord,” he said. / gsg

RELATED STORIES: Palace: Michael Yang not involved in drug trade 
                                     Palace: Duterte will ‘kill’ Michael Yang if he’s into illegal drugs