FORMER Bangsamoro Parliament member Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang has committed to present himself before the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on November 5, the agency confirmed Thursday.
Rimbang stands accused as the alleged financier and mastermind behind the foiled ₱3.5‑billion shabu shipment from Laos intercepted last October 1. PDEA spokesperson Joseph Frederick Calulut told reporters that Rimbang’s legal counsel personally visited the agency’s office to formalize the commitment, though no explanation was given for the delay in his appearance.
Rimbang is among 11 persons of interest issued subpoenas in the case, with two others still failing to report to authorities. Calulut emphasized that, based on documents and evidence in hand, the agency maintains its assessment that Rimbang is not merely the financier but the overall mastermind of the operation.
“He appears to be the mastermind. His role goes beyond just funding,” Calulut stated, adding that PDEA wants Rimbang’s side formally recorded in a sworn affidavit rather than through statements made only on social media.
Rimbang has publicly denied any wrongdoing, posting a video online asserting “there is no truth to this” regarding the allegations. PDEA continues to investigate his background and any prior links to illegal drug activities. The agency also noted that the private jet carrying the shipment was stopped by Lao authorities at Luang Prabang Airport before it could depart for the Philippines, foiling what would have been one of the largest drug smuggling attempts in recent years.
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