SBMA officials in hot water
The P3.6 billion worth of shabu was seized at a warehouse in Mexico on Wednesday and was intercepted by operatives from the BOC Port of Subic, NBI, the PDEA and the Department of Justice.
Daily TribuneThe P3.6 billion worth of shabu was seized at a warehouse in Mexico on Wednesday and was intercepted by operatives from the BOC Port of Subic, NBI, the PDEA and the Department of Justice.
Subic Bay Freeport — Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairperson and administrator Jonathan Tan on Friday ordered the suspension of Seaport department manager Jerome Martinez and consultant Rico Reyes after various brokers said that they were allegedly extorted for their shipments in Subic Bay Freeport.
In a meeting with port users at the Boardroom of the Administration Building, Tan assured that the SBMA will conduct a thorough investigation on the matter and would ensure a swift decision on the two officials.
He added that he does not tolerate illicit activities such as extortion, citing that the agency will weed out any unscrupulous officials and consultants.
Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun backed the decision of Tan, urging other port users to come forward and reveal their experiences regarding extortion inside the Freeport.
"These brokers complained that they were being extorted for money, that alone is a clear indication of the actions being done against them. They only want to work and earn their money," Khonghun said.
Regarding the P3.6-billion drugs that were intercepted in Pampanga, Tan said that it was a controlled release in coordination with the SBMA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Customs Port of Subic.
The SBMA chief added that the controlled release is to apprehend those involved in the said shipment.
"We are working with various agencies regarding the controlled release of the said drugs. The SBMA relinquishes the authority on the drugs and let the proper authorities handle the controlled release," Tan said.
The P3.6 billion worth of shabu was seized at a warehouse in Mexico on Wednesday and was intercepted by operatives from the BoC Port of Subic, NBI, the PDEA and the Department of Justice.
Tan said that the 530 kilos of shabu is placed in mixed red tea bags and golden tea bags inside brown boxes. He added that the boxes also contained chicharon or dried fish.
