Kenneth Dong, alleged middleman in P6.4-B shabu case, insists innocence

MANILA, Philippines — Arrested trader Kenneth Dong maintained his innocence in the P6.4-billion shabu shipment case after hiding from authorities for almost a year.                                                           

The National Bureau of Investigation presented Dong to members of the media in a televised interview on Wednesday afternoon. Dong is believed to be the middleman of businessman Richard Tan, the owner of Hong Fei Logistics warehouse in Valenzuela where the shipment was found.

Authorities arrested the alleged middleman in Katarungan Village in Muntinlupa City.

The Chinese trader had long, dyed hair when he was arrested, which was different from the short black hair he was sporting when he attending Senate hearings on the issue.

Dong maintained his innocence and said that he was merely in charge of translation and referral of clients. “I do not process [the shipments],” he added.

Dong said that his co-accused Mark Taguba — a Bureau of Customs “fixer” — offered brokerage services.

Arrested in village known to house DOJ employees

The NBI said that they are looking into the owner of the house where the suspect was arrested.

Dong, speaking to the members of the press, said he was merely visiting someone and insisted he was not hiding inside the said village known to house Department of Justice employees.

The NBI said the owner of the house might be charged with obstruction of justice.

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NBI detention?

The bureau said that the court has yet to issue a commitment order for Dong’s detention, and the trader would have to be held inside the NBI pending the order.

Citing security reasons, Dong said that he would rather stay in the NBI detention while the trial is ongoing.

Aside from Dong, authorities have also arrested and detained Taguba, Anoche Dee, the warehouseman, and Eirene Mae Tatad, the alleged consignee of the shipment.

Other personalities, that include Chinese businessmen, have yet to be arrested by the authorities. — Kristine Joy Patag