QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that its investigation into former Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament member Sultan Edrieza Nasser Rimbang will continue despite his absence. Rimbang is suspected of financing a multibillion-peso shabu shipment recently seized in Laos.
Rimbang’s camp initially promised he would appear at the PDEA Headquarters on November 5 to address the allegations. However, they later conditioned his cooperation on guarantees that he would not be arrested and that media would have access to the proceedings.
PDEA Spokesperson Director Joseph Frederick Calulut rejected these terms, explaining that agency guidelines prohibit public access during active investigations.
“This is ongoing investigation, and kung mayroon external individual dun sa ating investigation, this might give and do influence sa atin, o interference sa ating ginagawang imbestigasyon,” Calulut asserted.
Calulut warned that allowing uninvolved individuals or media access could lead to leaks of confidential information during the probe. Despite Rimbang’s absence, he emphasized that the inquiry will move forward.
“With or without him (Rimbang), the investigation can push through,” Calulut insisted.
Rejecting the conditions set by Rimbang, Calulut noted that the agency provided multiple opportunities for him to present his side, affirming that due process was maintained.
“We always invited him together with his lawyers. There is no reason for him to fear for his safety,” Calulut emphasized.
The controversy stems from a subpoena issued by the PDEA to the ex-BARMM official regarding his alleged financing of a chartered flight linked to a foiled smuggling attempt.
On October 1, authorities at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos intercepted a private jet reportedly bound for the Philippines, seizing 521 kilograms of suspected shabu.