AVSEGROUP officer appears at NBI, denies involvement in Laos drug incident

MANILA – Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) returned to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Friday, maintaining that she had no involvement in the Laos drug incident.

Mendoza was accompanied by her legal counsel, Atty. Benjamin Magadia, to submit her finalized sworn statement, wherein she maintained her innocence. 

Magadia said Mendoza’s participation was limited to helping secure an aircraft that could be used to transport the individuals involved.

“Ang participation lang talaga niya is to secure the plane. That’s it. Hanggang doon lang yung kanyang participation,” said Magadia.

Magadia also denied that Mendoza arranged any person-to-person transaction or had any knowledge of the illegal drugs allegedly involved in the incident. 

He maintained that they would stand by the statements Mendoza had previously made during the Senate investigation.

The lawyer likened his client’s role to that of an intermediary who helps find a vehicle or property for someone looking to rent or purchase one.

Magadia said they are also studying possible legal action against individuals who have implicated Mendoza to the case, saying the accusations have already damaged his client’s reputation.

“Let’s wait for the investigation. Tingnan natin yung ebidensya, kung ano yung totoo, ano yung hindi. Dapat hindi po natin hinuhusgahan agad,” he said.