DOJ wraps up probe on smuggled shabu inside magnetic lifters

MANILA, Philippines — Panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) has wrapped up its preliminary investigation into the complaints filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the 2018 smuggling of billions worth of shabu using magnetic lifters in Manila and Cavite.

During Tuesday’s clarificatory hearing, the DOJ panel asked clarificatory questions on the complaints of both PDEA and NBI.

PDEA filed the complaint last Aug. 29, 2018 and Dec. 13, 2018 while the NBI, which conducted a separate investigation, filed the complaint last January.

In the NBI complaint, former Customs Chief now Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Isidro Lapena, Vener Baquiran, Zsae Carrie de Guzman, John Mar Morales, and Benjamin Cajucom were accused of having committed dereliction of duty in violation of the Revised Penal Code; violation of Section 3(e) of the Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); and grave misconduct in violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees.

The NBI complaint also sought the prosecution of over 40 persons including former Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban, PDEA Deputy Director Ismael G. Fajardo, Senior Superintendent Eduardo P. Acierto, and former Customs Deputy Commissioner Ricardo Quinto for RA 9165 (the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002); violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019; and for grave misconduct.

Meanwhile, the PDEA’s December 13, 2018 complaint also accused 44 respondents including Guban, Fajardo, and Acierto of importation of dangerous drugs, attempt of conspiracy, and liability of a person violating any regulation issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

They were also accused of violating Section 3(e) of RA 3019, and for obstruction of justice in violation Presidential Decree No. 1829, Section 1(c) and the Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Furthermore, the PDEA’s August 29, 2018 complaint accused Chan Yee Wah Albert, Zhang Quan, Vedasto Baraquel Jr., and Maria Lagrimas Catipan of possession of illegal drugs in violation of RA 9165.

All the parties have submitted their position papers.

The DOJ panel will issue separate resolutions. Only the preliminary investigation on the complaints have been consolidated. /je