MANILA — Police are moving closer to completing their investigation into an alleged attempt to smuggle 521 kilograms of shabu from Laos into the Philippines, even as former Bangsamoro parliament member Sultan Edrieza Nasser Rimbang vehemently denied accusations that he financed or masterminded the operation.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), was expected to submit its investigation report to PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., following an extensive probe involving more than 40 subpoenas, witness interviews, surveillance footage and documentary evidence.
The investigation centers on an alleged scheme to transport the massive illegal drug shipment aboard a chartered aircraft, with authorities seeking to establish the identities and specific roles of those involved before pursuing criminal charges.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier identified Rimbang, a former member of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament, as the alleged financier of the shipment.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), meanwhile, said Rimbang “appears to be” the suspected mastermind behind the operation.
Breaking his silence through a video statement, Rimbang categorically rejected the accusations, maintaining that neither he nor his family had any connection to the alleged drug smuggling attempt.
“Nandito po ako sa araw na ito upang humarap sa inyo at ipahayag itong mga paratang sa akin, binibintang sa akin, sa aking pamilya, na wala po itong katotohanan,” Rimbang said.
He also denied having communicated with Philippine government officials or other individuals to facilitate the transportation of illegal drugs from Laos.
“Na sinasabi po nila na involved po tayo sa Laos, hindi po totoo ‘yon. Wala po akong nakausap na any government dito sa Pilipinas o mga tao dito sa Pilipinas para magpunta sa Laos, magdala dito ng kahit anong bagay na makasisira sa ating bayan,” he said.
Rimbang claimed the allegations had inflicted emotional distress on his family, particularly his children, who had reportedly become afraid to leave their home and stopped attending school because of the controversy.
He likewise disputed reports that he had fled the Philippines, insisting that he had no reason to leave the country because no criminal case had been filed against him.
The former Bangsamoro lawmaker said he would consult his lawyers regarding possible legal action to clear his name and defend his family against the accusations.
Meanwhile, Nartatez expressed confidence in the progress of the investigation, emphasizing that police were carefully examining the evidence to establish accountability.
“I am satisfied with the progress of the investigation and the diligence shown by our investigators. The evidence gathered reflects a thorough, evidence-based approach aimed at establishing the truth and ensuring accountability,” Nartatez said.
Investigators have reviewed closed-circuit television footage, interviewed witnesses, examined documents and issued more than 40 subpoenas in connection with the alleged drug shipment.
The PNP chief also directed investigators to intensify efforts to locate persons of interest who remain unaccounted for and ensure that any criminal complaints would be supported by sufficient evidence.
“The strength of any case will ultimately be determined in court but our objective is to build the strongest possible case based on facts, evidence, and due process,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to establish in court the criminal liability of those implicated in the alleged smuggling operation.
Rimbang has maintained his innocence, while police have stressed that the filing of charges must be based on evidence capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny./PN
