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Guban moves over to DoJ for protection
Former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban, who is believed to be a vital witness in the smuggling of trillions of dollars, was turned over to the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday after days of detention in the Senate.
Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd said Guban was accepted into the government's Witness Protection Program.
The Senate chief added that Guban's transfer to the DoJ was in compliance with an order by Sen. Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, who has conducted an inquiry into the issue of P11 billion worth of shabu in several magnetic lifters.
Gordon had earlier said that Guban needs to be accepted to the WPP to ensure his safety.
He added that Guban, along with Eduado Acierto and Ismael Fajardo, was suspected to be a member of a drug syndicate.
Gordon said the absence of Acierto and Fajardo in the last hearings was an indication that they were in hiding.
Sergeant at Arms Jose Balajadia informed him about the transfer of Guban.
Balajadia told Sotto that Guban was turned over to the DoJ WPP around 12:20 p.m. yesterday. Guban was fetched by WPP chief of operations Benito Talabucon,
Guban was detained in the Senate for his alleged refusal to tell the truth during the blue ribbon hearings.
On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte order Guban's arrest.
The President said he directed Filipino National Police chief Oscar Albayalde to arrest the former intel officer even without a warrant.
A report released to Palace reporters said Guban, who was assigned to the Intelligence Intelligence and Investigation Service, was among officials linked to the illegal drugs found in magnetic lifters in August.
"Guban's style is to try to impress his boss / superior by providing accomplishments. He would be present himself as a team player, raiding warehouses full of fireworks
ukay-ukay (imported used clothes), "the report said.
"His modus was at home with the owners of their warehouses. The arrangement is for the owners to remove 75 percent of their goods, and leave the BoC officials and show off for media mileage. By doing these things, he could both look good at his own time while he did so, "it added.
The report suggests that Guban undergo further investigation and an in-depth lifestyle check.
Last month, Guban was cited for contempt by the blue ribbon committee for lying.
The panel said Guban used a "scavenger," Joel Maritana, to sign an affidavit that would make him appear as the final consignment of the SMYD shipment that contained illegal drugs.
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