PSG probes ex-De Lima aide over links to Bilibid drugs

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Wednesday said it is already investigating the alleged involvement of Sgt. Jonel Sanchez in the supposed illegal drug trade inside the national penitentiary.

"Upon hearing his implication on the House inquiry regarding Sen. De Lima, the command immediately conducted investigation effective 18 Sept 2016," PSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Michael Aquino told reporters in Malacañang.

He was referring to the ongoing investigation by the House Committee on Justice on the illegal drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prison that supposedly contributed to the campaign funds of Sen. Leila de Lima, a former Justice secretary.

During Tuesday's hearing, convicted armed robber and drug dealer Herbert Colanggo said De Lima started receiving money from him in October 2013 through Sanchez, her security aide at that time.

Aquino confirmed that Sanchez was a member of the PSG detailed to De Lima when she was Justice secretary.

"The command requested for his reassignment outside PSG effective 01 July 2016. However, he is still securing his pertinent papers in the unit for his new assignment," he said.

"He was temporarily detailed to the Executive Secretary because as of—we requested for his transfer to another unit effective July 1, while waiting for his papers, temporarily naka-detail po siya kay Executive Secretary," Aquino added. 

He said Sanchez will be confined to barracks during the investigation beginning September 18 "to ensure his safety." —KBK, GMA News