The Department of justice (DOJ) has ordered the suspension of three Pasay City prosecutors who released suspects nabbed for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of jewelries at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The 60-day preventive suspension was issued following the investigation of three prosecutors, namely Internal Affairs Unit of the National Prosecution Service’s investigation of Pasay City Prosecutor Benjamin Lanto, Inquest Prosecutor Clementine Villanueva, and Assistant Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz, for alleged gross neglect of duty, gross incompetence, and inefficiency.
The three were asked to submit their witness affidavits within 10 days.
“Otherwise, failure to submit the same shall be deemed as a waiver of your right to be heard, and this department, through the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Prosecution Service, shall make a recommendation on this case on the basis of evidence on record,” the two-page formal complaint signed by Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra read.
The complaint will be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Meanwhile, Guevarra has appointed Deputy City Prosecutor Dolores Pulgo Rillera as officer-in-charge of the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
On May 5, NAIA customs operations officer Lomonto Macabando and spouses Abraham and Bang-sa Mimbalawag were arrested for their attempt to smuggle Php3-million worth of jewelries at NAIA.
The suspects are currently facing charges in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Revised Penal Code.
