Anti-corruption body backs Mangaoang's bid for WPP inclusion

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has endorsed the inclusion of Customs Deputy Collector Lourdes Mangaoang — the whistle-blower in the P11-billion shabu smuggling controversy — to the Witness Protection Program.

"We confirm that Atty. Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang has sought PACC's assistance in securing legal protection under the DOJ's Witness Protection Program," said PACC spokesperson Manuelito Luna in a statement Wednesday.

He said PACC received a letter from Mangaoang on October 30, 2018, requesting that she be placed under WPP and that they "endorsed the same to the Department of Justice."

"When Atty. Mangaoang reported to us that she has been receiving various threats to her life, we  deemed it proper to refer her request to the DOJ for appropriate action," Luna said.

Luna said Mangaoang has been asked to  submit certain documents by the DOJ.

Mangaoang's inclusion in the WPP coverage has also been recommended by the Senate blue ribbon committee, which is investigating the shabu smuggling controversy.

Mangaoang, who testified in the blue ribbon hearing, has accused former Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña of feigning ignorance on X-ray scans showing that the emptied magnetic lifters seized in Cavite in August contained billions worth of shabu.

Lapeña, who will be formally replaced as Customs chief by Rey Guerrero on Wednesday, has accused Mangaoang of being involved in a smear campaign against him. —KBK, GMA News