Links Between Paolo Duterte Mans Carpio and michael Yang under scrutiny in P6 billion drug case
The alleged involvement of Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and Michael Yang in a P6 billion drug case is under scrutiny, with multiple investigations and testimonies linking them to the illicit drug trade.
Allegations and Investigations
Several key figures have made accusations against Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and Michael Yang, raising concerns about their potential involvement in drug smuggling.
- Jimmy Guban, a former Bureau of Customs (BOC) official, claimed he was threatened with death if he named Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and Michael Yang in the 2018 "shabu" importation mess. Guban alleged that a former environment undersecretary, Benny Antiporda, sent an emissary to warn him, stating that his life and his child's safety would be at risk if he implicated the three individuals. 3
- Guban also claimed that a former Davao councilor urged him to ease shipping restrictions on shipments involving Duterte, Carpio, and Yang. This suggests a potential pattern of influence and preferential treatment for these individuals in the customs process. 3
- Dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto, who previously named Yang as an alleged drug lord in 2017, was invited to testify before a House panel investigating the P3.6 billion drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga. Acierto's testimony aimed to establish any potential links between Yang and the drug bust. 2
- The House Dangerous Drugs Committee is investigating the connections between Yang and Empire 999 Realty Corp., which owned the warehouse where the shabu was seized. The committee is seeking to uncover the "missing link" between Yang and alleged drug dealers. 2
Denials and Counterarguments
While accusations have been made, there have also been denials and counterarguments:
- Antiporda denied ever meeting or speaking with Duterte, Carpio, or Yang. He questioned the source of Guban's allegations and expressed surprise at being implicated in the issue. 3
- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief, Aaron Aquino, stated that Michael Yang has been cleared of illegal drug allegations for now. However, he acknowledged that investigations are ongoing and that Yang could be implicated if further evidence emerges. 5
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
The investigations into the alleged links between Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and Michael Yang are ongoing. The House Dangerous Drugs Committee is actively seeking to establish connections between these individuals and drug smuggling operations.
The implications of these investigations are significant:
- If the allegations are proven, they could have far-reaching consequences for the individuals involved, potentially leading to criminal charges and political repercussions.
- The investigations could also shed light on the extent of corruption and drug trafficking within government circles.
- The public's trust in the government could be further eroded if these allegations are substantiated.
The investigations are likely to continue, and the outcome will have a major impact on the political landscape and the fight against illegal drugs in the Philippines.