MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking into a "blackbook" that belongs to alleged car smuggler Allan Bigcas, the bureau's top official said on Monday.
NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula also revealed that a governor, a congressman, a mayor, and police official are among the names listed on the blackbook, which was seized from the property of suspected car and motorcycle smuggler Lynard Allan Bigcas.
The names on the document may indicate that the officials are clients of Bigcas, according to investigators.
"We are trying to reach out to these people. Pinapa-check natin sa asset kung talagang existing ang mga tao. We will try to invite them," Gatdula said.
Authorities are also searching for the Mindanao-based vehicle importer after 25 expensive vehicles were seized from his properties in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.
The vehicles include a motorcycle that was stolen from a Hollywood scriptwriter.
Investigators also found evidence that allegedly indicates Bigcas being involved in the sale of firearms from the United States.
The NBI chief said they have found leads on Bigcas' operations. "Allegedly me contact siya sa Customs," he said.
Gatdula said they are now coordinating with the Bureau of Customs to dig deeper into the case.
"Meron tayong impormasyon na nagpagupit na ng buhok si Bigcas and his route, dumaan siya sa Dipolog and going either to Cebu and Dumaguete, so inutusan natin ang mga tao doon if ever he is sighted, invite him," he said.
The NBI has asked the court to issue an arrest warrant against the alleged smuggler.
Bigcas, meanwhile, has explained his side through Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano.
"Sabi ni Allan sa akin, kung hot cars ito, hindi ko sana nilagay sa Internet. Marami daw ang kasabwat nito. Wala talaga akong alam sa ginawang raid dahil hindi nakipag-coordinate ang FBI sa NBI at mga pulis," he said in the vernacular.
Emano, however, said he does not personally know Bigcas. - Report from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News
