MANILA, Philippines – High ranking officials from Mindanao were among the names mentioned in the “black book” owned by suspected car smuggler Allan Bigcas.
The names of Governor Jalosjos and Sultan Naga Dimaporo Mayor Mutalib Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte) surfaced as House members opened the “black book” of Bigcas.
This after the House of Representatives started the hearing on vehicle smuggling that put the Philippines under “bad” precedent when some of the stolen vehicles in the United State find its way here.
Other names mentioned included Mayor Ali, Noah Dimaporo, Edward Emillan, Col. Pimentel, Boy Plaza, Hannah Toronto, Bullet Jalosjos, among others.
It was not clear what kind of transactions Bigcas entered into with the names mentioned as he insisted that these individuals were “merely asking him to canvass for the price of several motorcycle parts” in the U.S. But the "black book" also listed transactions for high-powered firearms and ammunitions.
He however confirmed ownership of the “black book”, which was recovered by the raiding NBI teams in his house in Cagayan de Oro.
The House grilled Bigcas on how he acquired the expensive cars and motorbikes, including those of Hollywood writer Skip Wood.
In joint operations of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) weeks ago, authorities recovered 25 vehicles from the properties of Bigcas in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
At the start of the inquiry, Bigcas denied his involvement in car smuggling activities while insisting his innocence on the crime.
“I just love motorcycle. I’m the victim here. I just want my freedom back, and the safety of my family. I want to gain the people’s trust back,” he said.
But when asked how he acquired those vehicles, Bigcas said he could not recall to whom he got all of it. He however admitted of shipping “chopped” motorcycle parts through Balikbayan boxes.
As of this posting, the House sub-committee on customs, tariffs and other related taxes, under the committee on ways and means chaired by Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas, is still hearing the matter.