By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA – Former Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament member Edrieza Nasser Rimbang is set to appear for an investigation in connection with an illegal drug shipment intercepted at Luang Prabang Airport in Laos last Oct. 1, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Thursday.
PDEA spokesperson Joseph Frederick Calulut confirmed that three of Rimbang’s lawyers visited the PDEA office on Oct. 27 to inform them that their client would appear on Nov. 5 to submit his sworn statement.
This followed the subpoena sent to the former Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) official for allegedly financing the chartered flight linked to the aborted smuggling of 521 kilograms of shabu that were intercepted in Laos.
Rimbang ignored the initial PDEA subpoena.
“Based on the evidence on hand, he appears to be the mastermind, not just a financier. We are waiting for him to give his statement so his defense isn’t just on social media. It’s better if it is in an affidavit,” Calulut told reporters in a phone interview.
He noted that two other persons of interest (POI) linked to the case have yet to appear before the PDEA.
Depending on Rimbang’s affidavit, Calulut explained that “as the case progresses,’’ more POI may be identified.
“There is no deadline but we had a date stated in the subpoena that we asked them to receive. So it is up to them if they want to appear but it is better for them to do so since they are only POIs. When we say POI, they are not automatically treated as suspects,’’ Calulut said in Filipino.
He emphasized that PDEA holds documentary evidence proving Rimbang bankrolled the operation.
Calulut also said PDEA is keenly verifying the possible involvement of Rimbang in previous illegal drug transactions.
He rejected the former BARMM official’s claims of absolute innocence, noting the suspect’s background in an area known for drug personalities.
“Just because he says he has no involvement doesn’t mean we are going to believe it as the gospel truth. We are checking many other angles,” Calulut added.
Rimbang is among three persons of interest who have yet to face PDEA, which includes a consignee, identified as Abdulkarim Macalatas, and other unnamed individuals.
Calulut said the number of POIs could still increase as investigators gather more information and obtain statements from those involved.
On Oct. 1, authorities in Laos confiscated the suspected shabu at Luang Prabang International Airport, intercepting a private jet that was reportedly bound for the Philippines.
A Filipino national identified as Fahad Mulok Dibarosan was arrested during the foiled smuggling of the shipment. (PNA)
