Senator Dick Gordon has welcomed the efforts exerted by Malacañang and the Department of Justice, in offering a P10 million bounty for the arrest of former police officer Eduardo Acierto who is one of the accused in the smuggling of shabu inside magnetic lifters.
Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said the offer of reward shows that the administration is very serious in going after big people running the illegal drug syndicate as they may have links to an international drug ring.
“Hindi mangyayari yan kung hindi malalaki. This is the first time, one of the few times, na talagang matindi ang banat ng Malacañang at ng Justice Department. Although there have been people arrested, pero ito may military, police involved. Dapat mahuli talaga sila. Mawawala ang accusation na puro maliliit lang ang napapatay o nahuhuli.Tama lang yun para ma-clear talaga kung sino nagsasabi ng totoo dahil ako walang duda na yung ginagawa ni Acierto ay smokescreen dahil wala naman siyang naipakita sa kin e,” said Gordon.
“Acierto’s arrest will clear the air or either help him clear his name.”
“Acierto’s arrest will clear the air or either help him clear his name. I guess the Palace and the Justice Secretary are both trying to catch a big fish because ang laki-laki ng pumasok na droga e. At saka very, very well-planned. They are very concerned that many more are coming in. I’m happy na gumagalaw sila, Di ba matagal ko ng sinasabi na hulihin sila. Yun ang recommendation sa min na hulihin na lahat sila,” said Gordon, adding that former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Deputy Director for Administration Ismael Fajardo, Jr. should also be arrested.
“He is the key that could lead to the busting of big drug syndicates operating in the country.”
The veteran lawmaker also urged Acierto’s coddlers to surrender the former police officer as he is the key that could lead to the busting of a big drug syndicates operating in the country.
“Kahi na sino humahawak, dapat ibigay nila yan para matapos dahil dapat malaman natin kung sino ang puno’t dulo. Kung may colonel na ganyan na nagbenta ng 1,300 pieces na AK-47, siseryosohin ko yan, tapos ngayon nainvolved sya dito sa drugs. Siseryosohin ko yan kasi drugs can supply the enemies of the state, like the NPA or the terrorists. Third, kung nag-aaccuse siya, dapat lumabas siya. Kung wala naman siyang dapat ikatakot, the truth will set him free. Hindi makakagalaw yan, hindi pagkakatiwalaan ng ganung kalaking halaga yan kung hindi niya naakausap who is behind that, And I think it is an international syndicate who has some local fish here,” the senator said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has confirmed that the Palace is offering a P10 million reward for any information that can lead to Acierto’s arrest. He added that the DOJ is not focused on the reward money because his agency’s focus is on Acierto’s coddlers and protectors.
Recently, a Manila court issued a warrant for Acierto’s arrest over his alleged involvement in the importation of shabu found inside several magnetic lifters.
A hold departure order was also issued on Acierto to make sure he cannot leave the country.
