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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PDEA gets 1st Central Visayas drug-linked money laundering conviction

PDEA gets 1st Central Visayas drug-linked money laundering conviction

Published Aug 3, 2026 11:26 am
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has secured a very first conviction of a locally initiated money laundering case relating to illegal drugs activities in Central Visayas.
In a statement on Monday, Aug. 3, PDEA said that Marie-Den Sarol Barbecho was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of Republic Act No. 10365 or The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.
Barbecho was sentenced to one year imprisonment and a fine of P500,000.
The case stemmed from money laundering cases filed on February 2023 by PDEA Regional Office VII, following a financial investigation arising from the Agency’s anti-illegal drug operations against Barbecho.
Barbecho, who has no known gainful source of income or commensurate financial capacity, transacted money in different amount and to different recipients amounting to a total of ₱1,739,551.00.
The April 27 decision handed down by the Cebu City Regional trial Court Branch 11 marked the significant milestone in PDEA’s campaign against illegal drugs and the financial networks that support them, according to PDEA Director General Isagani R Nerez.
Nerez said the agency reaffirms its commitment to strengthening financial investigations and working closely with its partner agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks, seize illicit assets, and ensure that those who profit from the illegal drug trade face the full force of the law.

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