Ombudsman creates panel to investigation P6.4b shabu shipment

November 7, 2017

The Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement on Tuesday it has created a fact-finding investigating into alleged anomalies in the release of 604 kilos of shabu worth P6.4 billion through the green lane of the Bureau of Customs at the airport.

The release was allegedly facilitated by public officials who were identified by Customs broker Mark Ruben Taguba II, the Ombudsman said.

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

The shipment arrived May 17 and was released on May 23. It was delivered to a warehouse in Valenzuela City and authorities conducted a raid on May 25.

Congressional hearings uncovered the extent of corruption at the Bureau of Customs. Nicanor Faeldon, then customs commissioner, resigned along with other top officials. Faeldon was replaced by Isidro Lapena, the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. DMS