VP Sara's ex-security chief denies links to POGO, drug money

The former head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) has denied the accusations linking him to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and drug money.

In a statement, former VPSPG chief Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica the claims of Ramil Madriaga “completely baseless.”

He added that the allegations of the camp of Madriaga, who claimed to be a former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte, have no credible evidence and were publicized before being evaluated by a competent authority. 

“The accusations linking my name to supposed ‘POGO money,’ ‘drug money,’ and other alleged irregularities are completely baseless,” Lachica said. 

“These allegations were widely discussed in media platforms, creating a misleading narrative that wrongdoing had already been established. This kind of trial by publicity undermines fairness and damages reputations without due process,” he added. 

To recall, Madriaga alleged that drug dealers and POGO are funding the campaign Inday Sara Duterte is My President (ISIP) Pilipinas.

Madriaga said he worked with Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco regarding tactical transport services, securing Duterte and other VIPs, and transporting large amounts of money to people from July 2022 to April 2023. 

Madriaga's allegations have been included in an impeachment complaint against Duterte.

However, the Vice President repeatedly refuted having a personal relationship with Madriaga, saying he appears to be “acting out of desperation” to secure his release from detention. 

Lachica said the matter has been brought before the appropriate authorities “where evidence can be properly examined and the facts objectively established.”

“I remain confident that the legal process will ultimately reveal the truth and expose the baseless nature of these accusations. I also urge all parties to respect the ongoing legal proceedings and refrain from further attempts to litigate this issue in the court of public opinion,” the former VPSPG chief said.

“The public deserves the truth—and the truth will come out through the proper process of law,” he continued. 

On Wednesday, the House justice committee found the two impeachment complaints against Duterte sufficient in grounds.

The complaints against the Vice President allege that she committed betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, among others, over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and the threat to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family. —VAL, GMA Integrated News