Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez have been summoned to appear before the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs for a preliminary briefing on the attempted smuggling of P3.5 billion worth of shabu from Laos to the Philippines.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the panel would also seek the appearance of 10 other senior officials from concerned government agencies who may have relevant information about the reported shipment.
“The briefing will focus on verified facts, the status of ongoing investigations by concerned agencies, the basis for establishing any Philippine connection to the shipment, and measures to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and combat related transnational criminal activities,” Santos said.
Remulla had previously identified former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang as the alleged financier of the entire operation.
Remulla also identified Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Mendoza of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group as a person of interest in connection with the shipment. Mendoza allegedly arranged the arrival flight of the aircraft that was supposed to transport the illegal drugs.
According to Remulla, Mendoza had been relieved of her post and placed under restrictive custody at the Aviation Security Group.
Authorities revealed that Capt. Rioklyn Toledo, a former commercial airline pilot also known as “Boyet,” allegedly procured the private aircraft and arranged its travel from Malaysia to Laos.
Reports said the illegal drugs, estimated to be worth P3.5 billion, were discovered and seized at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos as 23 pieces of luggage underwent customs clearance before being loaded onto a Manila-bound chartered Learjet 55B. The shipment was reportedly declared as vape products.
Santos stressed that the congressional briefing would focus on gathering evidence, clarifying the roles of the individuals concerned, and determining whether further legislative or law enforcement action may be warranted.
“We will follow the evidence wherever it leads. No one should be beyond scrutiny when the objective is to protect the public from the illegal drug trade. At the same time, allegations must be examined fairly, and every individual must be given the opportunity to respond,” Santos said.
The House briefing comes amid concerns over the reach of transnational drug-trafficking syndicates and their alleged use of international routes to transport illegal drugs into the Philippines.
Santos also said the committee would coordinate with relevant government agencies to obtain information that could help establish the facts surrounding the shipment and identify those who may be responsible.
The allegations against the individuals concerned have yet to be established through the inquiry. Their appearance before the committee will give lawmakers an opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported attempted smuggling and determine whether further action is warranted.