The NBI in Action, updates, news

NBI seizes P53-M ketamine in raid

By Evelyn Macairan
The Philippine Star 02/17/2006

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced yesterday the confiscation of P53 million worth of ketamine hydrochloride from an Indian businessman suspected to be engaged in the shipment of the dangerous drug to Asian countries.

NBI officer-in-charge Nestor Mantaring said 47-year-old Indian national Harris Abichandi would be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The chemicals, which are used in manufacturing the illegal party drug ketamine, were found stored inside Abichandi’s house in Merville Subdivision, Parañaque City.

The NBI-Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), seized 53,304 vials of ketamine hydrochloride (10 milligrams) and 100 pieces of the tranquilizer drug Stilnox.

The NBI said the country was being used as a transshipment point and processing area for the dangerous drug.

Regional Director Ruel Lasala, NBI-NCR chief, said only a small laboratory and few pieces of equipment are required to convert the liquid into white powder. The party drug is then shipped to nearby countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

"Ketamine when sold in powder form is three times more expensive than in liquid form," Lasala said. Liquid ketamine is sold at P1,000 per vial.

NBI-STF chief Regional Director Reynaldo Esmeralda said they are alarmed over reports of the availability of ketamine in the country.

"The government has recognized the proliferation of ketamine. Before, those arrested for illegal possession of ketamine were only charged with violation of Bureau of Food and Drugs regulations, but since last year those arrested have been slapped with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Board regulations."

The NBI said last Wednesday’s raid yielded the country’s biggest ketamine hail.

The shipment arrived in the country last Monday. Feb. 13 at the Manila port. An informant tipped them of its arrival the same day.

NBI agents immediately conducted a surveillance, and after confirming the report, they applied for a search warrant from Executive Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr., of the Manila RTC, on Feb. 14.

The raid was conducted the next day.

Abichandi denied that he knew that the drugs stored inside his house was prohibited by law.

"Somebody just gave it to me for safekeeping. I was told that it was anesthetic."

Lasala explained that ketamine is an anesthetic that is often abused for its hallucinogenic properties.

Ketamine hydrochloride is often used as an anesthetic for animals by veterinarians.

In tablet form, ketamine is often used as a "rave drug" during parties.

Ketamine has a hypnotic or sleep-inducing effect that increases the blood pressure of the user by 25 percent and the heart rate by 20 percent.

"Sexual predators also use the drug to incapacitate their intended victims. Sometimes, they just mix it with beverages," Lasala said.

It can also be added to marijuana or tobacco.

Ketamine users face the risk off developing serious mental and physical problems. The drug can impair a person’s senses, creating a distorted perception of sight and sound. It can also cause depression, delirium, amnesia, impaired motor functions, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Esmeralda said they would have to go to India as part of the follow-up investigation.

He instructed head agent Arnel Dalumpines, STF executive officer, and another agent to go to India and trace the supplier of the ketamine to the Philippines.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200602176301.htm

This might be the only one or first interception out of the many that were able to pass through.

Well done companieros from the NBI ! and the PDEA. Another laurel has been added to your cap.

NBI holds container vans with explosives bound for Cebu
The Philippine Star 02/22/2006

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stopped yesterday the loading of four container vans of explosive materials on a Cebu-bound ship after the shipper failed to present both authorization from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to transport the material.

Regional Director Reynaldo Esmeralda of NBI-Special Task Force said three 20-footer vans carried a permit to transport from the Philippine National Police but had no clearance from the Coast Guard and the Marina.

On the other hand, the 10-footer van No. 4 had a clearance from the Coast Guard and the Marina but had no PNP permit to transport, he added.

However, Esmeralda said the shipper was able to show a permit from the PNP’s Explosives Ordnance Division allowing the importation of the explosives and their paraphernalia.

The four vans contained 1,500 dynamite sticks, 372,087 kilos of ammonium nitrate, 7,500 pieces of electric blasting caps (EBC), 7,500 pieces of non-EBC, 3,750 connectors, 375,000 pieces of ordinary blasting caps, 375,000 meters of safety fuse and 75,000 meters of detonating cord, he added.

Esmeralda said the four container vans are being held at the North Harbor in Manila until the shipper is able to present all the required permits from the PNP, the Coast Guard and the Marina.

The explosives, which were reportedly for quarrying, have been confirmed as a legitimate shipment, he added.

Esmeralda said he immediately dispatched agents to the North Harbor to confirm the information that a large quantity of explosive materials was being transported from Batangas to Naga, Cebu.

NBI agents and Manila policemen, headed by Superintendent Rodolfo Llorca, went to the North Harbor after receiving information about the shipment at around 2 p.m. yesterday. — Evelyn Macairan

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200602220422.htm

NBI gets 100 new M-16s

By Edu Punay
The Philippine Star 09/11/2006

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) received a big boost in its anti-criminality campaign following the purchase of 100 new M-16 rifles for its operations.

NBI-National Capital Region Office Director Ruel Lasala said the high-powered rifles would be distributed to the bureau’s Manila-based units and regional offices to counter criminals "who have become bolder and more powerful weapons.

"Most criminals are now carrying high-powered pistols and MP5s," Lasala said. "At the very least, these M-16 rifles will significantly improve the NBI’s firearm capability."

The NBI official said the rifles were purchased for about P8 million.

Apart from improved equipment, Lasala said the bureau’s intelligence and operational capability have also been enhanced after 10 NBI operatives completed a four-week training on anti-terrorism and anti-drug operations at Camp Bago Dangwa, La Trininad in Benguet province.

Lasala said the agents participated in the 3rd Baker Piston exercises, which were conducted from July 31 to Aug. 25. It was sponsored by the US government as a form of assistance to Philippine law enforcement agencies.

"Apart from terrorism being a global threat, the US government has also recognized the recent emergence of mega drug laboratories in the country and saw the need to aid our law enforcers in preventing the spread of the drug menace," Lasala said.

The NBI official said the participants —10 agents each from the NBI, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Armed Forces of the Philippines – underwent rigid physical training and simulated counter-drug operations.

The shootout exercises involved the firing of 40,000 rounds of ammunition.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200609116303.htm

Quite a small number for quite a big job.

the M16 are big why not the M4 that is okay or MP7 or MP5

NBI arrests Quiapo drug lord

By Evelyn Macairan
The Philippine Star 10/05/2006

Some 70 agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) swooped down on the lair of a suspected drug leader in Quiapo, Manila, arresting the suspect and inviting for verification 12 other people.

Head agent Roel Bolivar, of the NBI-Reaction Arrest and Interdiction Division (RAID), said they arrested Mike Macaumbao and seized 13 sachets containing crystallized substance believed to be shabu.

The NBI said they earlier received information that Macaumbao was the top drug dealer in the area. "Some of the barangay officials said Macaumbao is the No. 1 supplier of shabu in the area. He is the drug lord of all drug lords in Quiapo," Bolivar said.

Agents conducted a two-week surveillance, which included test-buy operations. After confirming the reports, they secured a search warrant from Judge Felixberto Olalia Jr., of Branch 8 of the Manila City Regional Trial Court (MCRTC).

Agents from RAID and the National Capital Region Division (NCRD) then served the search warrant at 6:30 a.m. at the four-story house of Macaumbao and a three-story house owned by a certain "Said" along Carlos Palanca street.

Bolivar said entering the premises was not easy. They were forced to use acetylene torches to open the steel doors.

While they were opening the door, some of the agents saw people throwing objects outside of their window into the Pasig River.

The suspected drug dealer allegedly orders the execution of those who fail to pay debts or the shabu they get from him. During the raid, agents said they discovered a detention cell on the third floor of his house.

The suspect reportedly locks up them up before killing them and throwing their bodies into the Pasig River.

Charges of possession of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, would be filed against Macaumbao.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610056302.htm

Lessons to be learned in the trade.

Similarities with the Tiannge Druglord. Must be one of his lieutenants.

Palace affirms dismissal of NBI, Land Bank execs for gross negligence
By Mike Frialde
The Philippine Star 01/26/2007

Malacañang has affirmed a recommendation by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to dismiss a regional director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and a top executive of the Land Bank of the Philippines for graft.

Ordered dismissed based on the PAGC’s recommendations were NBI regional director Carlos Saunar and Land Bank Realty Development Corp. president and general manager Edward Fereira.

In a press statement, PAGC Commissioner Jaime Jacob said Saunar and Fereira were dismissed for having acted in gross negligence of their duties as public officers, resulting in undue injury against the government.

Saunar’s offenses constitute the violation of Executive Order 292 (Section 22 B, Rule XIV of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V), the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713). Fereira’s dismissal, on the other hand, was in violation of RA 3019 and RA 6713.

The dismissal orders to Saunar and Fereira were upheld and signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita by authority of President Arroyo last Jan. 18 and 19, respectively.

Saunar had failed to report for work for more than one year — from March 24, 2005 to May 2006 — without any approved leave of absence at the office of the Deputy Director for Regional Operations Services (DDROS) after he was relieved of his duties as regional director for Western Mindanao Regional Office (WEMRO). However, records showed that he continued to receive salary without rendering any government service during the period.

PAGC did not give merit to Saunar’s arguments that no specific or definite work was assigned to him at the time that he was relieved from WEMRO, and that there is no work for regional directors at the ODDROS; he did not report for work to avoid public ridicule being seen on the premises of the NBI doing nothing; and he just stayed at nearby establishments accessible to ODDROS.

Saunar also justified that he made court appearances and reviewed past investigation cases, although he failed to show certificates of appearance to support his claim.

Saunar was the 23rd witness of the defense panel in the plunder trial of deposed President Joseph Estrada at the Sandiganbayan.

Saunar, a lawyer and accountant, testified before the anti-graft court in October 2004 that he conducted an investigation into the alleged involvement of Estrada and his son, now Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, in the alleged diversion of the tobacco excise tax share of Ilocos Sur as alleged by provincial Gov. Luis Singson.

In his testimony, Saunar told the court that there is not a single bank document or record to link the Estradas to the alleged anomaly. Saunar’s testimony, however, was dismissed by Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, who described him as a biased witness.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed for utter lack of merit the disbarment case filed by losing 2004 presidential candidate Ely Velez Pamatong against former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr., for "utter lack of merit."

In a five-page en banc resolution penned by Associate Justice Cancio Garcia, the High Court also junked Pamatong’s motion to cite in contempt Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) commission on Bar discipline director Rogelio Vinluan.

The disbarment case against Davide was filed by Pamatong, representing the International Militia of People against Corruption and Terrorism, on Jan. 31 last year before the IBP citing as grounds, among others, the overthrow of jailed former president Estrada. — With Jose Rodel Clapano


http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200701260408.htm

Cop linked to Negros slay nabbed in mall

Friday, November 16, 2007

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a high-ranking police official, accused of killing three persons in Negros Oriental, while he was strolling in a shopping mall in Manila Wednesday.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said agents of the bureau’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested Chief Inspector Clarence Dongail, who went absent without official leave (AWOL) after he was accused of being involved in the kidnap-slay of Eleuterio “Dodong” Salabas, who was a marketing director of the Visayan Maritime Academy and a former barangay captain; Salabas’ nephew, Maximo Lomoljo; and Ricardo Suganob, the Capitol University director in Cagayan de Oro. The victims’ bodies were found in separate locations.

NBI-STF chief Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines said at the time the crime was allegedly committed, Dongail occupied several posts in the police force. He was then the chief of the Special Operations Group (SOG), chief of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), and station commander of Police Station 2 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bacolod City.

Guihulngan, Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court Branch 64 Judge Mario Trinidad issued a warrant for Dongail’s arrest on Oct. 18, 2006 in connection with the charge of kidnapping with murder filed against him and his co-accused.

NBI-STF executive officer Supervising Agent Anthony Yu said they received information that Dongail was seen strolling at the Ermita, Manila mall. They arrested Dongail, who peacefully surrendered.

“From what I have learned it appeared that it was a case of mistaken identity. The suspects allegedly arrested the three victims, thinking that they were involved in illegal drugs. During the interrogation, the suspects allegedly forced the victims to admit the crime but one of them, Suganob, suffered a heart attack and died. At this point the police could no longer set them free,” Yu said. – Evelyn Macairan

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=...&aid=2007111522

I wish that the National Bureau of Investigation devotes its time in busting Chinese, North Korean and Vietnamese spies. My cousin was a self-professed and self-confessed Chinese spy. He easily immigrated to England and then to Canada without any talent at all or upgraded skills but to brag that the 'Chinese will someday rule the world'. And he was able to immigrate out of the Philippines unscathed. Bring in more lawyers from MLQ University so that no talent gets unwasted. Moreover, with a large percentage of NBI devoting their time to foreign espionage it might lead to the disbanding of PSIS which my ex-father in law considers a big headache given that it is not officially recognized and composed of a ragtag band of UP lawyers.

This post has been edited by epigone on Mar 23 2008, 02:20 AM

Send me your address and when the next Bourne or James Bond movie comes out I will insure you got a copy so you can keep current.

Also most everyone who commits crimes in province go to manila and most criminals who commit crimes in manila go to province

It's just lke this;
In the US, the corrupt will go to jail.
In the Philippines the corrupt will go to US.

Marknirag, I am telling you this the way a father tells it to his son. 'Real life intelligence (or counterintelligence or espionage) is not like sipping cognac in the Riviera or not like a James Bond film'. Just look at it in a perspective Victor Corpus (ex-ISAPF chief) looks at it or how the MI6 practiced it when Kim Philby, the Soviet spy was unmasked.

This post has been edited by epigone on Mar 29 2008, 09:31 PM

Marknirag, I am telling you this the way a father tells it to his son. 'Real life intelligence (or counterintelligence or espionage) is not like sipping cognac in the Riviera or not like a James Bond film'. Just look at it in a perspective Victor Corpus (ex-ISAPF chief) looks at it or how the MI6 practiced it when Kim Philby, the Soviet spy was unmasked.

Mr. Epigone, I know Mr. Marknirag personally and professionally, i know where he has been and what he has done ...... in short his been there ...... done that and is and i know that he knows what he is talking about , trust me he is currently recuperating from a gunshot wound and will be back in action soon. o MARKNIRAG get well soon Bok ! RLTW!!!

I like that . Good one !!!!!! LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!! that sure did lighten up my day !!!!!

Marknirag, I am telling you this the way a father tells it to his son. 'Real life intelligence (or counterintelligence or espionage) is not like sipping cognac in the Riviera or not like a James Bond film'. Just look at it in a perspective Victor Corpus (ex-ISAPF chief) looks at it or how the MI6 practiced it when Kim Philby, the Soviet spy was unmasked.

Mr. Epigone, I know Mr. Marknirag personally and professionally, i know where he has been and what he has done ...... in short his been there ...... done that and is and i know that he knows what he is talking about , trust me he is currently recuperating from a gunshot wound and will be back in action soon. o MARKNIRAG get well soon Bok ! RLTW!!!

One time I got shot too, sir walop and sir marknirag. I bragged to my superior offier that 'I can handle this' while showing him my entrails, putting it back to where it belonged, extracted the bullet and stitched the mortal wound without anaesthesia laughing boisterously and sneering at the enemy. Boy, do I like soldiery boys, just like you!!

This post has been edited by epigone on Mar 30 2008, 03:53 AM