Luang Prabang:Manila Former Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament member Edrieza Nasser Rimbang is scheduled to appear for an investigation related to an illegal drug shipment intercepted at Luang Prabang Airport in Laos on October 1, as announced by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA spokesperson Joseph Frederick Calulut confirmed that on October 27, three of Rimbang's lawyers visited the PDEA office to inform them of Rimbang's intention to appear on November 5 to submit his sworn statement. This follows a subpoena issued to Rimbang, a former official of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), for allegedly financing a chartered flight linked to the attempted smuggling of 521 kilograms of shabu intercepted in Laos.

Rimbang initially ignored the PDEA's subpoena. Calulut explained that evidence suggests Rimbang is the mastermind behind the operation, not merely a financier, and emphasized the importance of Rimbang providing a formal affidavit rather than relying solely on social media for his defense.

Two other persons of interest (POI) have yet to appear before the PDEA. Calulut mentioned that the number of POIs might increase as the case progresses and more information becomes available. He highlighted that while there is no official deadline, appearing before the PDEA would be advantageous for the POIs, as they are not automatically considered suspects.

PDEA is also verifying Rimbang's potential involvement in previous illegal drug transactions, dismissing his claims of innocence due to his background in a region associated with drug activities. Alongside Rimbang, another POI, Abdulkarim Macalatas, and other unnamed individuals are yet to face PDEA inquiries.

The drug shipment, consisting of suspected shabu, was confiscated at Luang Prabang International Airport on October 1 during the interception of a private jet reportedly bound for the Philippines. A Filipino national, Fahad Mulok Dibarosan, was arrested in connection with the foiled smuggling attempt.