Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte has strongly denied any acquaintance with former Bureau of Customs (BOC) intelligence officer Jimmy Guban, who has implicated Duterte’s name in connection with a missing shipment of shabu allegedly concealed in magnetic lifters.
In an official statement, Duterte asserted that he does not know Guban and believes that Guban likely does not know him either.
The congressman sees no reason to threaten Guban, stating that their paths have never crossed.
During a recent quad-committee hearing, Guban claimed that former Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda sent someone to warn him that harm would come his way if he implicated Duterte, his brother-in-law Atty. Manases Carpio, or businessman Michael Yang in the illegal drug shipment incident of 2018.
Who is Jimmy Guban?
Jimmy Guban is a former intelligence officer of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines. He became widely known for his involvement in controversies related to the illegal drug trade, particularly during his tenure at the BOC. Guban was implicated in a high-profile case involving the smuggling of large quantities of shabu (methamphetamine) into the country, which were reportedly hidden in magnetic lifters.
In 2018, Guban’s name surfaced in connection with the disappearance of a significant drug shipment, which sparked public and legislative scrutiny. He was accused of facilitating or being complicit in the entry of these illegal drugs into the Philippines. The controversy led to several investigations, including a congressional inquiry, where Guban testified and implicated other high-profile individuals.
Guban’s involvement in these cases resulted in his arrest and detention, and his testimony has been used to shed light on the extent of corruption and illegal activities within the BOC. His statements during hearings have linked several officials and private individuals to the drug trade, making him a central figure in the investigation.