MANILA – A Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued hold departure orders (HDO) against six foreign nationals charged over the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China.
Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa granted the prosecutors’ motion to issue HDO against Chinese nationals Richard Chen, Manny Li, Kenneth Dong and Chen Rong Huan and Taiwanese citizens Chen I-Min and Jhu Ming Jyun.
“Being Chinese and Taiwanese citizens, the probability of flight of the above-named accused to escape prosecution is strong,” stated Estacio-Montesa.
The foreigners, along with alleged Customs fixer Mark Taguba II, Eirene Mae Tatad and Teejay Marcellana, were charged with illegal drug importation and transportation.
In a related development, Taguba pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
EMT Trading owner Eirene May Tatad, the consignee of the shabu shipment, refused to enter a plea. In accordance with court rules, Estacio-Montesa entered a not guilty plea for her./PN
