The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday said it is wrapping up its investigation into the foiled shipment of 521 kilos of shabu from Laos to the Philippines.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II also disclosed that the alleged financier of the shipment failed to comply with a CIDG invitation to appear before the unit to shed light on his supposed role.
”What I am trying to say is that the CIDG practically has finished the story, we already pieced the information together,” Morico told a press briefing at Camp Crame.
”We have all the documentation, we have the CCTV (closed-circuit television) footages needed and we are giving ourselves until Friday to submit the report to the chief PNP,” Morico also said.
He was referring to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, whom he said will review the report with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which is playing a key role in the probe.
Morico said they have gathered enough evidence, including testimonies of witnesses, to support the filing of charges against certain individuals.
”We are wrapping up. We have given universities until Friday to submit the report to the chief PNP,” Morico said.
Asked what case they are intending to file, Morico replied:” Conspiracy.”
PDEA spokesman Frederick Calulut earlier said the case they are planning to file is trading of dangerous drugs under Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Morico said the CIDG issued subpoenas to around 40 individuals as part of the investigation.
Laotian authorities intercepted a private jet at Luang Prabang Airport last October 1 after the pilot refused to allow the loading of the illegal drugs onto the plane.
They seized the illegal drugs and promptly arrested a Filipino, identified as Fahad Mulok Dibarosan, along with 12 Malaysian and Singaporean citizens.
He said the 40 included persons of interest (POIs) and individuals who are” essential to the investigation.”
The POIs, Morico said, included the alleged financier, former Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliament member Edrieza Nasser Rimbang.
He said four of the 40 summoned individuals did not appear before the CIDG, including Rimbang and the alleged consignee, Abdul Karim Macalatas.
Morico said CIDG operatives were sent to the given addresses of the four in Manila, Cavite, and Iligan City.
”All of these are all fictitious, including that of Edrieza Nasser Rimbang,” Morico said.
Morico urged Rimbang and the others to head to the CIDG and give their side.
”If he is really innocent, there is no reason for him not to appear before the CIDG…He can exercise his right to be heard,” the CIDG chief also said.