The House Quad Committee recently questioned Colonel Eduardo Acierto regarding his findings on individuals with close ties to former president Rodrigo Duterte who are allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
Col. Acierto attended the hearing via Zoom as he is in hiding, citing safety concerns after being issued a warrant of arrest and a P15 million bounty on his head.
During the session, Congressman Benny Abante inquired about Acierto’s positions and assignments. The colonel explained that he had always been assigned to special units and that his superiors were informed about the missions he was involved in.
Acierto emphasized on the alleged involvement of two individuals with close connections to former president Duterte, Michael Yang and Allan Lim, in the illegal drug trade.
He stated that he had submitted reports detailing their involvement to three different supervisors, but those reports failed to reach the appropriate authorities.
According to Acierto, he submitted his findings to then-PNP chief Bato dela Rosa, who reportedly spoke to Allan Lim before Acierto had the chance. Director General Aaron Aquino, he said, later met with him but later claimed not to remember who he forwarded the report to in Malacañang.
Acierto further explained that former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde responded to the report by attempting to discredit both him and his team, rather than addressing the substance of the claims.
“Hindi nila ma-dispute ang aking report, ang ginawa nila ay ako ang siniraan, siniraan ako at ang team ko,” he said.
“Yung isang kasamahan ko na gumawa ng report dinukot, si Captain Lito Peralte, hanggang ngayon ay nawawala, at yung isa ay binaril, namatay, si Retired Master Sergeant Gerry Liwanag,” he added.
Acierto also revealed that Bato dela Rosa had interrogated Allan Lim, who allegedly admitted to being present at a laboratory in Cavite that was raided. Despite this admission, Acierto suggested that these foreign nationals appeared to be under some sort of protection.
“Very obvious po na siya ang nag protect; prinotektahan niya (Duterte) si Michael Yang at si Allan Lim,” he said.