NBI mulls freezing drug lords’ bank accounts

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may consider asking the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the bank accounts of the drug lords from New Bilibid Prison (NBP), an official said yesterday.

The 19 high-profile inmates were removed from the NBP’s maximum security compound following the discovery of guns, drugs, sex toys, money and a hidden martial arts gym during a series of raids on their luxury prison huts or kubols.

“That will be considered depending on the results of the investigation,” NBI Director Virgilio Mendez told The STAR in a text message.

A source earlier said the inmates now conduct business through “bank-to-bank” transactions instead of “kaliwaan,” which involves physically handing over cash.

“The method is no longer like that. They prefer bank to bank method because it’s easier and safer. All you have to do is show the bank deposit slip,” the source said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said the 19 inmates have cornered 20 to 50 percent of the country’s illegal drug trade and continue to run their business even while in prison.

She identified them as Eugene Chua, Chua Sam Li, Vincent Sy, George Sy, Joel Capones, Herbert Colangco, Peter Co, Amin Imam Boratong, Clarence Dongail, Tom Chua, Rommel Capones, Jojo Baligad, Willy Chua, Michael Ong, Jacky King Sy, Willy Sy, Noel Martinez and Herman Agojo.

When their kubols were raided, several lists of names with corresponding bank accounts were found. De Lima said they will see if the illegal drug trade will go down once these inmates are cut off from their business.