Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron N. Aquino refuted claims made by dismissed police official Eduardo Acierto that he is a protector of Michael Yang, a former presidential economic adviser accused of having links in the illegal drug trade.
“Acierto’s claim that I am a protector of Michael Yang is a blatant lie. His accusation is completely baseless,” Aquino said.
“How can he say I am a protector when I forwarded Acierto’s intelligence report to Malacañang? I initiated investigations on Michael Yang’s activities from day one that I was told about it. In fact, until now my Regional Directors are still gathering data about him,” he added.
Acierto went into hiding and is facing criminal charges for his involvement in the smuggling of voluminous amount of shabu discovered inside magnetic lifters.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said that it will not arrest Acierto despite the call made by Senator Richard Gordon for the latter’s arrest.
Acierto released a drug matrix linking Yang in the illegal drug trade in the country.
The matrix has huge information that can help in validating various personalities that might be connected to illegal drugs.
“I am clean. My conscience is clean. I can appear in any avenue to clear my name on this matter. I am also open to any investigation from other law enforcement agencies and investigating bodies,” the PDEA chief stressed.
