BASED on the X-ray image alone, a Bureau of Customs (BOC) official said she could not conclude that the four magnetic lifters seized in Cavite on August 7 contained shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

But based on the observations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and evidence presented during the Senate hearing into the shipment, former Customs X-ray Chief and Ninoy Aquino International Aiport (NAIA) Deputy Collector Lourdes Mangaoang said the lifters had contained shabu.

Mangoang made the statement amid questions on her credibility during the House inquiry Wednesday, October 24, into the allegedly missing P6.8-billion shabu shipment.

“Based on the analysis of the image hindi ko po pwedeng sabihin na may shabu... But based on the investigation conducted by PDEA and based on the documentary, physical and testimonial evidence presented in the Senate and as a seasoned investigator... on the basis of my other experience ang sinsabi ko shabu ho ang laman niyan," Mangaoang told the House committees on dangerous drugs, and and good government and public accountability.

"I'm basing my statement na tingin ko shabu yan (that I believe it was shabu) because I am a seasoned investigator because I am a lawyer and because I have prosecuted drug smugglers before...” she added.

Her testimony was questioned by Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop, who described it as "untrustworthy and unreliable."

Acop also questioned Mangaoang's motive to dispute the claim of her principal, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, that the magnetic lifters were empty.

Acop made the observation after Mangaoang said Lapeña demoted her to a post in the Customs Monitoring Unit (CMU) just days before she testified before the Senate inquiry.

Acop asked Mangaoang whether she has ill will against Lapeña due to her recent demotion.

Mangaong answered in the negative. Stung by the doubt, Mangaoang lamented that she felt she was being prosecuted.

"Ako po ay nandito para magsabi ng totoo... wala pong ill will... dahil kung hindi po ako ininvite dito ay hindi po ako pupunta dahil the reason that I’m here is because I was invited and why do I feel that I am being prosecuted as if I am the one that is responsible,” she said.

“Ininvite niyo ako as resource speaker bakit niyo sinasabi na I have ill-will? That is unfair. Kung hindi nyo ako kailangan I can leave,” she further said.

In response to this, Acop read the House Rules on contempt and reminded Mangaoang to respect the committee.

The chair of the committee on dangerous drugs, Rep. Ace Barbers, also told Mangaoang: “Your statement somehow gave credence to the initial findings of the committee... ikaw ay government employee, hindi mo kami pwedeng alisan dito... Never ever, disabuse your mind from thinking na utang na loob namin na umattend ka rito."

Mangaoang apologized to Acop and to the members of the two committees.

Still, Acop told the committee: “Accordingly, although she cannot be disqualified as a witness, her credibility remains questionable since an improper motive exists on her part which makes her testimony untrustworthy and unreliable. That is my personal conclusion your honor.”

Customs X-Ray inspector John Mar Morales insisted that the magnetic lifters were empty and what were seen inside it when it passed the X-ray machine at the Manila International Container Port were just wirings.

Morales is the supervisor of X-Ray inspector Manuel Martinez, the inspector who allowed the controversial shipment to enter into the country. (SunStar Philippines)