'Davao Mafia' linked to BOC, PDEA murders

Several Customs and anti-drug agents were allegedly liquidated by the "Davao Mafia" of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his associates as they moved to consolidate and tighten their control of the drug trade in the country.

- By DELON PORCALLA

This was according to a former Bureau of Customs (BOC) intelligence agent now serving time for drug smuggling, in his testimony at the resumption yesterday of the hearing on extrajudicial killings and the drug war by the quad committee of the House of Representatives.

In his testimony, former BOC intelligence agent Jimmy Guban also revealed an alleged political plot called "God Save the Queen," but sought permission from the panel to allow him not to discuss details at the moment.

"We're thankful to God that we're still alive. Former PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) deputy director general Ismael Fajardo died. Captain Lito Perote, agent Ernan Abario who is my colleague in Customs is also dead. Two of my men also turned up dead," Guban told House members.

"Sa kanya ilan ang namatay dahil po diyan sa Davao mafia and their purpose is to save the queen in order to become the next president," he said.

The former Customs investigator said he is glad that his friend former police colonel Eduardo Acierto is still alive, as he accused Duterte - both as mayor and president - of perpetrating a killing spree, targeting drug offenders and rivals in the trade.

"An employee of one of the congressmen here has been going after my son," Guban revealed, as he begged for more time before revealing more details. "I cannot at this point.

Remember, these are hired killers and implementors of the Davao Group that is part of the Davao Mafia," he said.

Upon questioning of Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, he asked for more time to name names.

"Sorry, your honor maybe next time," Guban, now an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, responded to Khonghun's query if he was referring to the Dutertes, including Vice President Sara Duterte, when he revealed the existence of a "God Save the Queen" plot.