The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that it raided several houses in Valle Verde, Pasig, allegedly linked to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, on Aug. 24.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the operation followed information about alleged high-powered firearms inside some of the properties. The bureau obtained a search warrant and conducted the raid.
The NBI reportedly recovered firearm magazines, ammunition, spent cartridges, and identification cards belonging to security personnel and police officers.
Matibag said the houses were registered under the names of Velasco employees and a company, but the search and warrant process indicated that the properties were owned by the Velasco couple. The addresses also appeared in the sworn affidavit of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Gracioso has accused Velasco of instructing him to deliver suitcases containing money to members of the Duterte family. Velasco has denied the allegation and described it as fabricated.
Meanwhile, Matibag confirmed that Velasco left the Philippines for Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30. He was expected to return on Sept. 14, but immigration records showed no record of his return as of the latest report.
Rowena Velasco reportedly traveled to Hong Kong with two individuals on Sept. 24. She was expected to return on Sept. 27, but there was also no record of her return, according to the NBI.
The NBI said it would send invitation letters to the couple to give their side regarding Gracioso’s allegations. The bureau is also evaluating the claims and verifying submitted evidence.
