NBI agent tries to free uncle caught in drug sting

MANILA, Philippines — A National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officer was arrested for trying to free his uncle, who was arrested in a drug sting, from authorities.

Makati City’s Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Anshari Alinor, Anshano Andari, Manjale Currie, Joemari Edradan, Alex Boteri, Michail Lugay, Marcelo Mallari, and Johaima Oday in a drug bust on Monday night.

After the arrests were made, a certain Monakiram Batabor went to the police and identified himself as an NBI agent. He then approached a police officer and asked him to release and not file a case against one of the suspects, who happened to be his uncle.

The conversation was recorded and it led to the arrest of Batabor.

Seized from Batabor were his identification cards, cell phone and service firearm. He will be charged with obstruction of justice and violation of the anti-graft law.

Maj. Gideon Ines, chief of the Makati Station Investigation and Detective Management Branch, told The STAR that Batabor underwent inquest proceedings yesterday.

Recovered from the suspects were 49 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with a street value of P15,500; P500 marked money; a weighing scale; a tooter; two strips of aluminum foil and a lighter.