“Ang kanilang (Duterte admin) war on drugs ay peke, cover up lang ‘yon. Ang pinapatay yung maliliit pero yung malalaking personalities, katulad ni Michael Yang at Allan Lim, ay pinoprotektahan nila,” dismissed Police Colonel Eduardo Acierto claimed during the 10th public hearing on Thursday.
Acierto attended the Quad Committee hearing on Thursday via Zoom call to testify before the mega panel, in defense against former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The ex-cop claimed that the former administration’s war against illegal drugs is a front to protect the real drug personalities, Michael Yang and Allan Lim.
During Congresswoman Gerville Luistro’s interpellation, Acierto detailed the contents of his investigation report on the personalities he found to be involved with drugs. It was mentioned that Duterte made a pronouncement a few years ago, to a news publication, that the Malacanang is offering a monetary prize, in exchange for his capture.
“Ano po ba talaga ang laman ng investigation report ninyo for the president to make this extreme pronouncements?” Luistro questioned.
Detailing the Investigation Report
Aceirto mentioned three people involved in the drug trade who are connected with Duterte and the ex-Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, now Sen. Bato Dela Rosa.
“Ang unang report na ibinigay ko na natanggap ni PNP Chief Bato Dela Rosa, ay ang title po is: ‘Johnson Chua Drug Trafficking Syndicate.’ Binanggit ko lang dito ang tatlong personalities, si Johnson Chua, si Michael Yang, at si Allan Lim,” Acierto narrated.
The ex-cop’s report contained details on the three personalities and their interconnectedness. His main focus was to inform his superiors about Yang and Lim, as drug suspects—Adding that he wanted to ask for his superior’s advice and instructions.
“Sa unang report ko, hindi ko pa binabanggit yung closeness nila kay President Duterte at that time. Ang focus lang talaga nito, is yung ipaalam sa kanila na itong dalawang tao as drug personalities na iniimbistigahan namin,” Acierto stressed.
RE: Persons of Interest in Illegal Drugs
Following his initial report, Acierto submitted another report to now-retired Chief PNP Oscar Albayalde. His report “RE: Michael Yang and Allan Lim Person of Interest in Illegal Drugs,” detailed the two personalities' close ties with Duterte.
However, no feedback or instructions were given. Eventually, Acierto said that Duterte wanted him gone. The former cop has been in hiding ever since.
The turn of events prompted Acierto and four of his other colleagues to be targeted by the administration, citing that Duterte is the main protector of the drug lords.
A recent revelation from former Bureau of Customs (BOC) Intelligence Agent Jimmy Guban stated that the Davao Mafia was linked to the BOC and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) murders.
