DOJ’s Guevarra warns criminal liability vs coddlers of Acierto, et. al

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra warned to arrest and criminally charge those who are “coddling” former Police Colonel Edgar Acierto and several others wanted by authorities.

Guevarra said on Saturday that those who attempt to “harbor or conceal” Acierto and seven others accused are already liable for obstruction of justice.

He added those specifically who “coddle” and protect the accused are in violation of Section 4 of the Dangerous Drugs Law.

“More specifically, coddlers or protectors of persons accused of violating Section 4 of the dangerous drugs law (importation of illegal drugs) are likewise criminally liable under Sec. 4 and stand to suffer imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to P500,000,” Guevarra said in a statement.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde announced that Acierto and his co-accused are being hunted down for their alleged involvement in the billions worth of “shabu” placed inside the controversial magnetic lifters.

READ: PNP conducts manhunt vs ex-cop Acierto, et. al

Aside from the former policeman, the PNP is also hunting down former Customs Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban and former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Deputy Director for Administration Ismael Fajardo; importers Chan Yee Wah, alias KC Chan, and Zhou Quan, alias Zhang Quan; consignees Vedasto Cabral Baraquel Jr. and Maria Lagrimas Catipan of Vecaba Trading; and Emily Luquingan. /jpv