DOJ forms probe body on Miriam's claims vs Enrile

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) created a special task force to probe Senator Miriam Santiago's scathing claims against Senator Juan Ponce Enrile over his alleged criminal activities.

Last December 4, Santiago called down Enrile for being "the mastermind of the biggest plunder case in Philippine history" saying he conspired with detained businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles to divert congressional funds to dummy organizations.

Santiago also claimed that Enrile is behind an "empire" of smuggling, gambling and illegal logging activities through the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) located in Enrile's home province.

In a statement on Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the task force will investigate the alleged smuggling of vehicles and illegal gambling activities in the port as well as Santiago's accusations of illegal logging.

The body will also examine whether Enrile falsified his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth or SALN to hide evidences of ill-gotten wealth.

"The Special Task Force is mandated to evaluate the evidence gathered and recommend possible courses of action or legal processes including, but not limited to, the filing of appropriate criminal complaints," the statement reads.

Justice Undersecretary Jose Justiniano was tasked to lead the task force composed of assistant state prosecutors Niven Canlapan and Noliben Quiamboao, National Bureau of Investigation lawyers Jonathan Mengullo and Catherine Camposano, State Counsels Adonis Sulit and Charles Romulus Cambaliza.

De Lima added that the Anti-Money Laundering Council for possible offenses and the Office of the Solicitor General for possible civil cases will also be involved in the investigation.

In her fervid privilege speech, Santiago also accused Enrile of having responsibility on the the deaths and disappearances of thousands during Martial Law in the 70s.