Pilot tagged in Laos drug shipment denies allegations

MANILA — A pilot who has been identified by authorities as a “person of interest” in the 521-kilogram shabu shipment intercepted in Laos has denied the allegations and maintained his innocence.

In a statement, Capt. Rioklyn P. Toledo said he has already appeared before the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to clear his name.

“I have done so in good faith, with the hope of helping the authorities establish the facts and clear my name. I understand that the investigation is still ongoing, and I remain willing to cooperate and answer any further questions that may be necessary,” he said in a statement.

Toledo also said a past issue involving him in 2012 has already been dismissed and has nothing to do with the current situation.

“I have nothing to hide, and I will continue to cooperate with the proper authorities as they carry out their investigation. I trust that the truth will come out in due time,” he also said.

In a press conference on Friday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla identified several persons of interest in the case, including Toledo, who was supposedly tapped to “procure the aircraft from Malaysia” to bring the shipment to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said the female officer who was tagged in the case, earlier identified by Remulla as PEMS. Aileen Mendoza, has been relieved from her post and placed under restrictive custody effective October 13.

“As part of the inter-agency task group, the PNP is working closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other concerned agencies to establish the facts, identify those allegedly involved, and determine the extent of the officer’s alleged participation,” PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

Mendoza, who is from the Aviation Security Group, was supposedly contacted and paid by Toledo to “secure the MAPTRA hangar” where the private plane was supposed to deliver the illegal shipment, according to Remulla.

Several other individuals, including former BARMM parliament member Sultan Edrieza Nasser Rimbang, were tagged in the case.