.jpg)
Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco takes his oath after being installed as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, Oct. 13, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed Wednesday that it raided several houses in Valle Verde subdivision in Pasig last month, following an intelligence report that illegal high-powered firearms were allegedly being kept inside the properties.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said operatives conducted the raids on Aug. 24 and later verified that the properties were owned by former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Matibag also said NBI records showed that Velasco left the Philippines for Nagoya, Japan, on August 30—six days after the raids.
Ex-Speaker Velasco currently out of the country—BI
The NBI chief clarified that the investigation into the properties and the reported firearms remained ongoing.
The probe has so far found that the raided houses were the same addresses mentioned by former policeman Rodulfo Gracioso in his affidavit.
Gracioso, who identified himself as a former staffer of Velasco, had submitted statements alleging that he delivered large amounts of money to members of Vice President Sara Duterte’s family from 2018 to 2022.
NBI to validate Gracioso claims, invite Sara Duterte and ex- Speaker Velasco
The bureau said any findings from its investigation would still have to undergo validation and evaluation before conclusions could be made.
The Vice President on Saturday said she does not know Gracioso and has not received any money from him. Velasco's camp has also denied Gracioso's allegations.
Sal Panelo: Alleged cash deliveries to Dutertes a ‘fabricated story’
PNP: Gracioso statements to be probed on own merit