Taguba files new motion to remain with NBI custody

MANILA, Philippines — Customs "broker" Mark Taguba has filed a fresh appeal before a Manila court for his continued detention at the National Bureau of Investigation.

In a four-page Urgent Ex-parte Motion, Taguba, through his counsel Raymond Fortun, implored the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 to allow him to stay at the NBI, citing grave threats to his life.

"[T]aguba's voluntary surrender before the NBI was prompted by Taguba's fear for his life and security," the motion read.

Fortun stressed that detention in a regular city jail in Manila "poses greater risk to the life, safety and security" to his client, given the congestion in the jail and the nature of Taguba's earlier testimony at the Senate inquiry into the P6.4 billlion shabu shipment case that slipped past the Bureau of Customs last year.

He also reiterated that prior to Taguba's surrender, his client had security detail with him from the Senate for 24 hours a day. The legislative body gave protective custody to Taguba for four months following his testimony on the "tara" system or passing of grease money in the BOC.

Taguba is "a vital witness and resource due to the substantial value of the information he has against certain public officials who appear to have a hand in the importation of illegal drugs in this country," Fortun added.

Taguba tagged several officials of the BOC in the money-making scheme, including Nicanor Faeldon, former Customs chief and now Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator.

READ: Faeldon transferred to Pasay City Jail

"It thus behooves Accused Taguba through counsel to ask this Honorable Court to take judicial notice of the highly controversial and sensational nature of the case before it and the gravity of the charges against Taguba," Fortun said.

"For this reason, Taguba, through counsel, implores upon the magnanimity and indulgence of this Honorable Court, and for humanitarian considerations, to allow the continued detention of Taguba at the NBI Detention Center," the motion further read.

Taguba is facing drug importation charges over the multi-billion shabu shipment case before the Manila court. On January 29, the said court issued a warrant of arrest against Taguba and several other accused in the case.

On February 2, the Manila court outright dismissed Taguba's earlier appeal seeking detention in the NBI compound. According to NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin, the accused was brought back to their headquarters while waiting for the court's commitment order.