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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the 60-day preventive suspension of 3 Pasay City prosecutors for releasing 3 suspects arrested for allegedly smuggling at least P3 million worth of jewelry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The Internal Affairs Unit of the National Prosecution Service is investigating Pasay City Prosecutor Benjamin Lanto, Inquest Prosecutor Clementine Villanueva, and Assistant Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz for alleged gross neglect of duty, gross incompetence, and inefficiency.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has designated Deputy City Prosecutor Dolores Pulgo Rillera as officer in charge of the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
In a two-page formal charge signed by Guevarra, the DOJ directed the 3 prosecutors to submit their replies and their witnesses’ affidavits within 10 days.
“Otherwise, failure to submit the same shall be deemed as a waiver of your right to be heard, and this department, through the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Prosecution Service, shall make a recommendation on this case on the basis of evidence on record,” Guevarra said.
According to Guevarra, complaints against the 3 Pasay City prosecutors were likely to be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.
On May 5, NAIA customs operations officer Lomonto Macabando and spouses Abraham and Bang-sa Mimbalawag were nabbed for allegedly trying to smuggle P3 million worth of assorted jewelry at the airport.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña earlier said authorities nabbed the suspects after the acting customs examiner at NAIA Terminal 3’s arrival operations division saw a still-unidentified passenger hand a black clutch bag to Macabando.
Macabando then hurriedly walked toward the exit of the customs arrival area. Customs personnel and airport security guards worked together to stop Macabando from getting away.
On the same day, the Mimbalawags arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J015 from Dubai. They later admitted to authorities they owned the bag handed to Macabando.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Revised Penal Code. (READ: New Customs chief vows ‘zero tolerance’ for corruption) – Rappler.com
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