Ombudsman forms fact-finding panel to probe P6.4-B shabu shipment

The Office of the Ombudsman has formed a fact-finding panel to investigate the alleged smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu seized in Valenzuela City by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

"The Office of the Ombudsman has created a panel to conduct a fact-finding investigation into alleged anomalies in the release of P6.4 billion worth of Methampethamine or 'shabu,' through the green lane of the Bureau of Customs," the anti-graft office said in a statement.

The Ombudsman noted the testimony of Customs fixer Mark Taguba before the congressional inquiries of the Senate and House of Representatives, particularly on the so-called "Davao Group" that allegedly facilitated the shipment of the more than 600 kilograms of illegal drugs in exchange for "grease money."

"The release was allegedly facilitated by public officials who were identified as members of the 'Davao Group' by Customs [fixer] Mark Ruben Taguba II," the statement said.

During past hearing, Taguba mentioned the names of presidential son and Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and presidential son-in-law Manases "Mans" Carpio.

Taguba claimed that his contacts "Tita Nannie," "Jack," and "Small" tagged Duterte to the Davao Group. But he later clarified that he never met the two members of the First Family.

He had issued an apology to the family of President Duterte, reiterating that his knowledge of the supposed involvement of the presidential son and presidential son-in-law were based on mere "hearsay."

The Davao City vice mayor and Carpio, husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and nephew of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, had both denied the allegations against them.

Morales had already bared that she will not participate in any cases related to the First Family due to her ties with Carpio.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the creation of the fact-finding panel is in line with President Duterte's remarks that he would leave it to independent agencies to look into the accusations against his son and son-in-law.

"The order of the Ombudsman is in line with the President's recent pronouncement for independent agencies to investigate the matter," the statement said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started its preliminary investigation into the complaint filed by the BOC against nine individuals, including Taguba, allegedly linked to the multi-billion drug shipment.

Separate criminal complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against several personalities linked to the smuggling mess, including resigned BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, are also under preliminary investigation at the DOJ. —KG/ALG, GMA News