2 resource persons in PDEA ‘leak’ probe freed from Senate detention

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has released from detention the two resource persons in the ongoing investigation into the alleged leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) documents.

Senate Sergeant-At-Arms retired Army Gen. Roberto Ancan on Friday confirmed the release of former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales and another former employee of the National Police Commission, Eric “Pikoy” Santiago.

“Yes, they were released [from] custody yesterday,” Ancan said in a text message.

He said the two were released around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Morales was ordered detained by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy’s motion to cite him for contempt for “continuously lying.”

READ: Senators cite Morales for contempt, order his detention

Santiago was also detained for the same reason, this time upon the committee chairman’s motion, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

READ: Dela Rosa orders detention of ex-Napolcom staff for ‘lying’

Dela Rosa’s committee has been investigating the alleged leaked PDEA pre-operational reports that supposedly linked high-profile personalities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano.

READ: Marcos laughs off ‘leaked’ PDEA report vs him, Maricel Soriano

The alleged leaked documents were supposedly signed by Morales on March 11, 2012.

Santiago was meanwhile dragged into the controversy as he allegedly tried to stop Morales from testifying in the Senate probe.

This was allegedly caught on CCTV footage where Santiago could be heard talking on speaker phone to Department of Justice Investigation agent Romeo Enriquez, who was with Morales.

This ongoing probe was said to have contributed to the ouster of then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was replaced by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.