Sultan rejects Laos allegations

Former Bangsamoro parliament member Sultan Edrieza Nasser Rimbang has denied allegations that he masterminded a foiled attempt to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, from Laos to the Philippines, saying the accusations have hurt his family.

In a video statement posted on social media, Rimbang rejected claims linking him to the shipment and appealed to authorities to stop circulating his family members’ names and photographs without evidence.

“The allegations that we were involved in the shipment from Laos are not true,” Rimbang said.

“I appeal to our government not to post our names and faces on social media when there is no evidence against us,” he added, saying he was consulting lawyers on possible legal action.

The former official also denied communicating with any Philippine government official or other person in the country to arrange a trip to Laos or transport anything that could harm the Philippines.

“I am here today to face you and declare that the allegations against my family and me are untrue,” Rimbang said.

He claimed the accusations had frightened his children, who he said were afraid to leave their home and had stopped attending school because of the attention surrounding the case.

Rimbang also denied reports that he had left the country, saying he had no reason to flee because no case was pending against him.