MANILA, Philippines – The son of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla was arrested by authorities for alleged possession of marijuana, the DOJ chief confirmed on Thursday, October 13.

In a handwritten statement, Remulla said he would not intervene in the alleged drug offense of his eldest son, Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III.

“I will not intervene in nor influence my son’s predicament, and I have not done so in any way. A person should always face the consequence of their actions and I will let justice take its own course,” the DOJ chief said.

Remulla added his 38-year-old son should face his own problem.

“I am both a father and the secretary of Justice, roles that I take very seriously. We all know about unconditional love, but at 38 years old, he will have to face his predicament as a fully emancipated child. I have to abide by the oath of office I took when I assumed this position,” he said.

In a phone call with Rappler, Colonel Kirby John Brion Kraft, director of the Southern Police District, said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) coordinated with them on October 10 regarding an operation against a certain Juanito Remulla. However, Kraft said the PDEA has the relavant information since the agency was in charge of the operation.

As of writing, the PDEA, which leads the country’s anti-drug campaign, has yet to provide details or release a statement on the arrest of Juanito Jose.

A report by ABS-CBN News said Juanito Jose was arrested by the PDEA and members of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group in Las Piñas City on October 11 for alleged possession of suspected kush (cannabis). The task group included units of the Bureau of Customs, the police, and other relevant agencies.

Authorities seized two packets believed to be containing the kush amounting to around P1.3 million. The illegal drug, which allegedly came from overseas, was confiscated during a controlled delivery operation by the authorities. Juanito Jose was the intended recipient of the packets, the report added.

A controlled delivery operation means authorities already knew about the entry of a suspected item, then allowed it to proceed as evidence and basis for arrest.

Meanwhile, the DOJ secretary also “thanked” the agency for doing its job: “I thank the PDEA for doing their job without fear or favor. I have no conflict with them. This is a very difficult time for me and my family. But this is nothing compared to what so many Filipinos are going through.”

On Thursday, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, Boying’s brother, confirmed the arrest of his nephew.

“Si Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III ay pamangking buo ko po. Siya ay panganay na anak na lalake ni Justice Secretary Boying Remulla. Si Sec Boying po ay nasa Geneva ngayon at pauwi pa lamang bukas,” Jonvic said in a statement.

(Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III is my nephew. He is the eldest son of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla. Secretary Boying is currently in Geneva (Switzerland) and will head home tomorrow.)

The Cavite governor also reiterated that they will not use their family’s power in the case of his nephew.

“I personally feel that while he deserves all of my empathy, there will be no support extended in terms of using my position in government. While he is family, my oath as Cavite Governor and as a Public Servant is paramount above any of his alleged transgressions.” – Rappler.com