FORMER Justice Secretary and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Thursday pressed police officials to explain how an aviation security officer allegedly became involved in arranging a hangar for the aircraft that would bring 521 kilos of shabu in the country from Laos.
De Lima sought the exact assignment and authority of Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza during Thursday’s briefing of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chaired by Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony G. Santos.
Police Major General Wilson C. Asueta said Mendoza was assigned to the NCR aviation field unit.
De Lima asked whether that assignment gave her any role in arranging the private aircraft.
“So what authority, if any, did her post give her over hangar or landing arrangements?”
“Kasama po ba yan sa trabaho niya, yung nag-arrange ng paglalandingan?”
The questions followed PDEA’s account that Mendoza allegedly received money and participated in arrangements for an aircraft intended to transport the shipment intercepted in Laos on October 1.
Santos also sought an explanation of her access to the general aviation area, where private aircraft operate.
Responding to de Lima, CIDG chief Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said Mendoza had been relieved and placed under restrictive custody.
“She’s now also under restrictive custody already,” Morico said.
De Lima then asked whether the investigation extended beyond Mendoza to the officers supervising her.
“How about yung kanya mga immediate and next higher supervisors? Mga kasama na rin sila sa pag-iimbestiga?”
Morico answered affirmatively and said the inquiry included the administrative side of the case.
“Part of our investigation is the administrative.”
De Lima also questioned PDEA about Rioklyn Pizarras Toledo, identified at the hearing by the nickname “Boyet,” and his role in securing the aircraft.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said Toledo arranged the charter through a contact abroad.
“He facilitated the chartering of that learjet through his contact in Malaysia.”
Nerez clarified that Toledo was in the Philippines. He said Toledo had travelled to Hong Kong, returned and subsequently appeared before the CIDG.
“He reported to the PNP-CIDG and executed an affidavit, Your Honor.”
The exchange brought the committee’s attention to airport access, the scope of Mendoza’s duties and the chain of people involved in arranging the charter.
Santos urged police officials to review personnel rotation and access at airports, including the general aviation area and the entry of private service providers.
The questioning formed part of the committee’s examination of how the aircraft was arranged and what airport controls needed closer review.
metrosundaily
