MANILA, Philippines – The House dangerous drugs panel has issued an arrest order for Michael Yang, former economic adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte, due to his failure to attend the investigation into the multi-billion peso drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga, in 2023.
Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, chairman of the dangerous drugs committee, announced that House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has signed the arrest order.
"The one that carries the greatest weight here is the Secretary General already signed the arrest order against Michael Yang. Why? Because we have reason to believe that Michael Yang is involved with the [Empire 99] corporation that owns the warehouse where the P3.6 billion of shabu was busted," Barbers said.
Failure to Appear
Yang was cited in contempt by the House panel for his repeated absence at the hearings. Barbers explained that despite multiple invitations to testify and clear his name, Yang did not attend any of the sessions. Consequently, under House rules, the committee issued a show cause order, followed by an arrest order after continued non-appearance.
Investigation Details
Barbers' panel has conducted nine days of investigation into the P3.6 billion drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga. Yang's involvement came under scrutiny after Lincoln Ong, a Pharmally official and alleged associate of Yang, was found to be an incorporator in a company linked to Empire 999 and other firms.
Yang's testimony is considered crucial in unraveling the complexities of illegal drug smuggling activities tied to Empire 999. Former police colonel Eduardo Acierto testified during the hearings, stating he had flagged Yang back in 2017 for involvement in the drug trade. Acierto, who has been dismissed from the police force and faces charges, also claimed that former President Duterte wants him dead due to his 2017 confidential report linking Yang and Allan Lim to illegal drug activities.
Immigration and DFA Alert
The arrest order will alert immigration authorities and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to locate Yang. "We will be able to track where he is because he will definitely be using his own passport," Barbers added.
Government records show that Yang left Manila for Dubai on May 12. Yang's lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, commented, "I don't know yet. Mr. Yang is not in the country."
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