Justice chief names new Pasay OIC prosecutor

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has designated deputy city prosecutor Dolores Pulgo-Rillera as officer in charge of the Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasay City.

Guevarra issued department order on May 25 following the suspension of Provincial Prosecutor Benjamin Lanto, who was one of the prosecutors tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as involved in corruption.

Charges were filed against Lanto for gross neglect of duty, gross incompetence, and inefficiency for the release of suspects in an attempted jewelry smuggling at the airport.

 DOJ suspends 3 prosecutors cited by Duterte for corruption

On May 5, Naia customs operations officer Lomonto Macabando and spouses Abraham and Bang-sa Mimbalawang were nabbed for attempted smuggling of P 3-million worth of jewelry at the airport.

But the suspects were released on May 6 after inquest proceeding despite possession of evidence.

Gueverra’s order takes effect immediately and will be in force until the 60-day preventive suspension of Lanto is lifted.  /je