President Duterte, some Family Members, and Ex-Aide linked to P6.8B Shabu Shipment

 

Former Customs Officer Links Duterte Kin, Ex-Aide to 2018 Drug Shipment

Former customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban, wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, testified before a joint hearing of four House committees investigating illegal drugs and offshore gaming operations (POGOs). His testimony implicated key figures, including relatives and a former advisor of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in a significant 2018 drug shipment.

Guban's Testimony and Allegations

Guban, who previously testified in a 2018 Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, initially linked former Police Colonel Eduardo Acierto to the P6.8 billion worth of shabu found in magnetic lifters at the Manila Port. However, during the House Quad Committee hearing, Guban recanted his earlier statement, claiming he was threatened after being cited in contempt by the Senate.

• Threats and Intimidation: Guban testified that he received threats, including those suggesting his life was in danger if he were detained at the Pasay City Jail. He also alleged that his family was threatened with warnings about his child's location in Makati.

• Key Figures Implicated: Guban identified several individuals allegedly involved in the drug shipment:
  • Paolo "Pulong" Duterte: Son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Congressman.
  • Manases "Mans" Carpio: Husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
  • Michael Yang: Former Presidential Economic Advisor to Rodrigo Duterte.
  • Benny Antiporda: An associate of the aforementioned people.

• Source of Information: Guban stated that he had not personally met Congressman Duterte, Carpio, or Yang. He claimed his information came from a counselor in Davao named Nilo Small Abeliera, whom he described as being close to the individuals he named.

• Alleged Pressure to Implicate Political Opponents: Guban further testified that he was pressured by an NBI official to link former Senator Antonio Trillanes to the drug shipment, which he refused, stating Trillanes had no involvement. He also claimed there was an attempt to make him falsely implicate political rivals of the Duterte administration in exchange for clearing the names of the "first family" and Michael Yang.

Context of the Drug Seizure and Previous Testimony

The drug shipment in question involved billions of pesos worth of methamphetamine (shabu) concealed within magnetic lifters seized at the Manila Port in 2018. Guban's initial Senate testimony had already brought this incident to public attention, linking it to other personalities.

Recantation and Legal Status

It was noted that Guban had formally recanted his earlier statement linking Eduardo Acierto before the Manila Regional Trial Court last year. He was subsequently convicted for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and is currently detained at the Bureau of Corrections, with his appeal pending.

Request for Immunity and Protection

During his appearance before the House committees, Guban requested immunity from prosecution and to be placed under the custody of the House of Representatives and the Witness Protection Program.

Jimmy Guban's testimony has brought renewed attention to the 2018 drug shipment, directly linking prominent figures associated with the former Duterte administration to the illegal activity. While the House committees will need to evaluate Guban's credibility and his shifting statements, his allegations are likely to fuel further investigation and public discussion on the matter.