Guevarra orders probe into Bilibid inmate’s alleged ‘illegal drug activities’

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe and build a case on the alleged illegal drug activities of an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison.

In a department order dated Monday, the Justice chief also directed the NBI to file charges against persons found responsible, if the evidence warrants, in connection with the activities of inmate Rustico Ygot.

Ygot was reportedly linked to the P190-million worth of shabu seized at two operations in Cebu over the weekend. Reports said he had access to internet that allowed him to manage drug operations while in prison.

A regional trial court convicted Ygot of illegal drug trading in 2011 and sentenced him to life imprisonment, a decision that was affirmed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in 2013. The Supreme Court upheld the CA ruling in 2016.

Guevarra's new order also instructed NBI Director Dante Gierran and Bureau of Corrections Director General Nicanor Faeldon to submit reports on the progress of the investigation and case build-up to the Secretary's office. — BM, GMA News