Former Corrections Bureau OIC Says He Delivered PHP10-M “Quota” to de Lima

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Dir. Gen. Rafael Ragos on Tuesday claimed that he delivered PHP10 million in drug money to Senator Leila de Lima in her residence in Parañaque City when she was still justice secretary.

Ragos bared this in front of lawmakers during the House of Representatives justice committee’s inquiry into the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Ragos, who was officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) during de Lima’s stint as justice chief, said he found a black handbag containing PHP5 million on his bed at the Bureau Director’s Quarters in November 2012.

Ragos afterwards received a call directing him to deliver the bag to Ronnie Dayan, chief escort of de Lima. The caller said the hefty sum of cash came from drug lord Peter Co.

Ragos called his escort and intelligence officer Jovencio Ablen Jr. to accompany him in delivering the money to de Lima’s house in South Bay Village in Parañaque City where Dayan was staying.

“While we were in the car, I told Mr. Ablen that the important task we will do is deliver PHP5 million ‘quota’ to Sen. De Lima,” he said.

Ragos said he was met at the gate of the house by Ronnie Dayan who received the handbag. They proceeded to the main door where Dayan handed the bag to de Lima, who accepted it.

In December 2012, Ragos again found money, which was packed in a plastic bag, on his bed at the same quarters.

Just like before, Ragos, along with Ablen, delivered the money to de Lima’s residence. Ragos handed the plastic bag containing money to Dayan who received it.

Ablen backed the testimony of Ragos, saying that he accompanied his superior on a “very important task” of delivering the alleged drug money “quota” to de Lima, whom he referred to as “Lola”. (PNA) CVL/FMC