MANILA, Philippines – The alleged financier of the multibillion-peso drug shipment from Laos will appear before the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Nov. 5, 2026, a spokesman said.
Lawyers of former Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament member Edrieza Nasser Rimbang came to the office on Oct. 27 to assure authorities that their client would appear to submit his sworn affidavit, said PDEA Spokesman Joseph Frederick Calulut.
Rimbang’s team came to the PDEA office following the subpoena sent to the ex-Bangsamoro official for allegedly financing the chartered 986 Learjet 55B that attempted to transport the 521-kilo shabu shipment to the Philippines but was intercepted by Laos authorities at Luang Prabang International Airport on Oct. 1.
"Based on the evidence on hand, he appears to be the mastermind, not just a financier. We are waiting for him to give his statement so his defense isn't just on social media. It’s better if it is in an affidavit," Calulut told reporters in a phone interview on Thursday.
A Filipino identified as Fahad Mulok Dibarosan was arrested during the foiled smuggling of the shipment.
Calulut noted that two other persons of interest (POI) linked to the case have yet to appear before the PDEA.
Depending on Rimbang’s affidavit, Calulut said more POIs wpuld be identified “as the case progresses.”
Calulut emphasized that PDEA held documentary evidence proving Rimbang bankrolled the operation.
“We have documents, we have evidence na nagsasabi si Rimbang ang nagbigay ng pera,” he said.
Calulut stated that the PDEA was ĺkeenly verifying the possible involvement of Rimbang in previous illegal drug transactions.
He also rejected Rimbang's claims of absolute innocence, noting the suspect's background in an area known for drug personalities.
Rimbang is among three persons of interest (POIs) who have yet to face PDEA, which includes a consignee, identified as Abdulkarim Macalatas, and other unnamed individuals.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla identified 11 persons of interest in the case, including Rimbang.
The PDEA is also coordinating with foreign counterparts and awaiting additional documents and information from Malaysia in connection with the investigation.
The PDEA is also awaiting information from Laotian authorities regarding Fahad.
