MANILA, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla is calling on Congress to formally designate drug syndicates as terrorist networks to bolster global efforts against transnational narcotics trafficking.
The proposal follows a major drug bust earlier this month at the Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos, where authorities intercepted a private jet carrying 521 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at approximately ₱3.5 billion. The illicit shipment was reportedly destined for the Philippines.
Authorities arrested a Filipino national, identified as Fahad Mulok Dibarosan, during the foiled smuggling operation. In an earlier press briefing, Remulla disclosed that investigators are currently looking into 11 persons of interest tied to the case.
Among them is Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, who has been tagged as the alleged financier of the multi-billion-peso drug run.
According to Remulla, elevating the legal status of drug rings would unlock critical international intelligence-sharing mechanisms, particularly regarding illicit financial tracking and cross-border coordination.
“As long as the Philippine Congress certifies that they’re a terrorist network by virtue of a resolution, then it opens us up to the international communities, intelligence sharing, especially with financial matters,” Remulla explained.
He added that this classification would grant local law enforcement crucial access to the financial lifelines of these cartels, making them much easier to neutralize.
“Makikita namin ‘yung bank-to-bank transactions ng lahat nila, and then it’s easier to clamp them down,’’ he stated.
Presently, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PNP), Philippine National Police (PDEA), and other law enforcement bodies are actively coordinating with international counterparts to map out the full scope of the transnational conspiracy.