INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has identified 11 persons of interest, including a former Bangsamoro parliament member and a police officer, linked to a massive ₱3.54 billion shabu shipment intercepted in Laos before it could reach the Philippines.
Speaking at a Palace press briefing on Friday, Remulla stated that the findings stem from extensive collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Southeast Asian counterparts.
Authorities named former Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang—also known as Sultan Edriaza Rimbang—as the alleged financier of the entire drug operation.
Investigators noted that Rimbang’s brother-in-law, Fahad Molok Dibarosan, was arrested in Laos on October 1, 2026, after local authorities discovered illegal drugs in suitcases destined for the Philippines.
Other individuals tagged in the scheme include pilot Rioklyn “Boyet” Toledo, who allegedly procured the charter flight from Malaysia, and Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Mendoza of the PNP Aviation Security Group.
According to investigators, Toledo contacted Mendoza to arrange a private hangar and secure the flight’s arrival at the Manila International Airport’s general aviation area.
Investigators also identified Abdulkarim Macalatas as the listed consignee, alongside other persons of interest: Aldren Nadal Samante, Rudy Isidro, Christian Fabrigas, Rohaniah Rimbang, Abdullah Rimbang Macarimbang, and Hilario de Vera.
PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez confirmed that Sergeant Mendoza has been relieved of her post and placed under restrictive custody as the investigation unfolds.
Meanwhile, out of the 11 individuals tagged, only Dibarosan remains currently detained in Laos.
The high-profile interception has exposed vulnerabilities in private aviation security.
Remulla announced that authorities are reviewing security procedures and pushing for tighter cargo inspections on private aircraft to prevent similar smuggling attempts.
Additionally, the DILG chief appealed to Congress to enact legislation classifying international narco-traffickers as terrorist organizations to streamline global law enforcement cooperation and bolster legal charges beyond simple conspiracy.
