Metro Manila — A former security aide of Sen. Leila De Lima may testify against her and reveal her links to the illegal drug trade inside New Bilibid Prison, Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told PEPph.
Aguirre said he spoke on Friday morning with Sgt. Jonel Sanchez, a current member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
"I've talked to him… and there are indications he wants to cooperate," Aguirre said.
During the House of Representatives' hearing on drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison last Tuesday, witness and convict Herbert Colanggo claimed that Sanchez collected drug money inside the prison and delivered it to De Lima.
The Presidential Security Group has ordered Sanchez back to barracks after he was implicated in the Bilibid drug probe.
PSG spokesman Ltc. Michael Aquino said the move was done to "ensure Sanchez's safety."
"We immediately placed him confined in the barracks so that we can give way for the investigation," Aquino said.
Investigating Sanchez will include a lifestyle check, according to Aquino. As for the ongoing House probe, Aquino said "[they] will cooperate" and have Sanchez attend the hearing if he is summoned.