A revelation that casts serious doubt on the Duterte administration’s war on drugs has rocked the country, as former Customs officer Jimmy Guban has accused high-profile associates of former President Rodrigo Duterte of being involved in a large-scale drug smuggling operation.

During a recent House quad-committee hearing, Guban confessed that he had lied in his 2018 Senate testimony, shielding powerful individuals tied to the illicit drug trade due to threats against his life and his family.

Guban, who was once a key witness in a shabu (methamphetamine) smuggling case, identified Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Manases Carpio, and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang as the true owners of magnetic lifters used to conceal P11 billion worth of illegal drugs.

This shocking admission directly contradicts his earlier testimony, where he had implicated former police official Eduardo Acierto, leading to Acierto’s conviction and life imprisonment.

How It Unfolded

According to Guban, the scheme began in 2017 when he was introduced to Davao First District Councilor Nilo Abellera Jr., also known as “Small.” Abellera presented himself as a close associate of Duterte, Carpio, and Yang.

Guban alleged that Abellera requested leniency in clearing their shipments through customs. Later, in mid-2018, Guban stumbled upon a suspicious shipment from VECABA Trading, a company not accredited by the Bureau of Customs.

Upon investigation, he linked the shipment to Duterte, Carpio, and Yang.

As the investigation progressed, Guban and other authorities, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), discovered illegal drugs hidden in magnetic lifters, leading to a Senate inquiry.

However, Guban claimed that he was coerced into protecting the high-profile individuals during the Senate hearings, resulting in his contempt citation despite his attempts to truthfully answer questions.

Threats and Intimidation

Guban’s revelations extend beyond mere allegations of drug smuggling. He accused a media personality named Paul Gutierrez, who was allegedly connected to former Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, of threatening him during his detention at the Senate.

Guban said that Gutierrez, accompanied by a Blue Ribbon Committee staff member, warned him against mentioning the names of Duterte, Carpio, and Yang.

Guban also detailed a phone call from Bureau of Customs official Lourdes Mangaoang, who allegedly questioned him about the shipment linked to Antiporda. Despite being urged to stay silent, Guban felt compelled to reveal the truth in the House hearing, albeit years later.

Scrutiny and Skepticism

The quad-committee, composed of members from the House committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order & Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, has yet to fully assess the credibility of Guban’s testimony.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the Dangerous Drugs Committee, stated that the committee would take its time to evaluate Guban’s claims and determine whether they hold weight.

Barbers emphasized that if Guban fails to provide substantial evidence, the committee may not consider his accusations seriously.

However, the unexpected nature of Guban’s revelations has prompted further scrutiny, with lawmakers expressing the need for a thorough investigation.

The Broader Implications

Guban’s testimony casts a shadow over the Duterte administration’s much-publicized war on drugs, which has been criticized for targeting small-time drug offenders while allegedly allowing powerful figures to operate with impunity.

The implication that high-ranking officials may have been involved in protecting drug lords contradicts the administration’s narrative of cracking down on the illegal drug trade.

As the investigation continues, the House quad-committee has issued invitations to the individuals named by Guban in his affidavit, signaling that the inquiry is far from over.

Meanwhile, Guban, who is currently serving time at the National Bilibid Prison, continues to appeal his conviction.