MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday formally directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to work with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and investigate a drug lord who allegedly continues to run his business from behind bars through the internet.
In Department Order No. 092, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra tasked the two agencies to file periodic reports on their investigation.
“The NBI through Director Dante A. Gierran and in collaboration with and assisted by the Bucor, is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the alleged illegal drugs activities of inmate Rustico Ygoy y Repuela while serving sentence inside the premises of the NBP (New Bilibid Prison), and if evidence warrants to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor,” the order said.
Under Republic Act 10867 or the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act, the Secretary of Justice may direct the NBI to undertake the investigation of any crime when public interest so requires.
On the other hand, Republic Act 10575 or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 provides that the agency is in charge of ensuring that national inmates are completely incapacitated from further committing criminal acts and are totally cut off from their criminal networks while serving their sentences inside the national penitentiary.