NBI rearrests alleged rice smuggler Bangayan over pilferage case

(Updated 6:13 p.m.) The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday rearrested alleged rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan over a separate electricity pilferage case he is facing before a Caloocan court.

Bangayan, believed to be the David Tan being linked to rice smuggling activities, was rearrested after appearing at a Senate panel investigation on rice smuggling. He posted bail at the Manila Regional Trial Court late afternoon, but it was not clear as of 6 p.m. if he was already granted his temporary liberty.

"We were advised by the executive judge that the original warrant of arrest, even if it says "David Tan who is not Davidson Bangayan," can be used as basis for the immediate arrest of Davidson Bangayan because of the additional proof that we have," said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during the hearing.

She added that a representative from the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has already identified Bangayan as David Tan.

Upon arriving at the NBI headquarters in Manila, Bangayan was brought to the office of Vicente de Guzman, NBI-National Capital Region assistant regional director. He is set to undergo booking procedures, including taking his mugshot and fingerprints.

Last month, the NBI seized Bangayan, with the belief that he is David Tan, in connection with a pending case before the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court for the violation of Republic Act 7832 (Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act).

Bangayan was subsequently released after his lawyers insisted and showed documents proving that their client was not David Tan. — with Mark Merueñas/KBK, GMA News