By
Benjamin Pulta
June
1, 2019
MANILA --
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) will conduct an independent investigation on Jacky Co, the alleged
mastermind of how PHP1.8-billion worth of shabu hidden inside imported tea bags
found its way into the country.
"The NBI will gather facts
first and then identify whom to charge later. This investigation is distinct
from the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) investigation,"
Guevarra confirmed Friday.
The justice chief said prosecutors may also seek a travel ban
against Co and his co-accused named in the charges filed by the PDEA as soon as
the investigation proceeds.
"The moment a formal preliminary investigation begins, we may
consider applying for a precautionary hold departure order with the proper
court," Guevarra said.
He noted that according to the consul general of China, a certain
Xu Zhi Jian, also known as Jacky Co, has a pending case in China.
However, he is not on the Interpol watch list and this has been
certified by the Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Manila.
Guevarra clarified that while there is no record that one Xu Zhi
Jian departed from Manila on April 3, immigration records showed that a certain
Xu Zhi Jian left on March 20.
"As there was no existing hold departure order against the
said person, nor any Interpol alert during that time, the BI (Bureau of
Immigration) allowed the said person to depart," Guevarra said.
The PDEA on Friday filed charges against Xu Zhi Jian and 16 others
allegedly involved in importing illegal drugs valued at PHP1.8 billion.
Those charged were officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services. (PNA)
Those charged were officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services. (PNA)
