The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has subpoenaed 21 individuals in connection with the seizure of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu in Laos, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said during a press briefing at Camp Crame that most of those summoned had already appeared before investigators.
However, Co clarified that the individuals subpoenaed should not automatically be considered persons of interest, as their names reportedly surfaced through various testimonies gathered during the investigation.
The PNP spokesperson declined to disclose the profiles of the newly summoned individuals but urged those who have yet to appear to exercise their right to be heard and cooperate with authorities.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla had earlier identified 11 persons of interest in the alleged smuggling attempt involving more than ₱3 billion worth of shabu transported from Malaysia aboard a private jet.
Among those previously identified was a police master sergeant assigned to the Aviation Security Group, who has been relieved from duty and placed under restrictive custody, and an alleged politician from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The PNP assured the public that the ongoing investigation is nearing a breakthrough, as authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment and identify those who may be responsible.
