THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has placed three prosecutors under a 60-day preventive suspension for their alleged involvement with a jewelry smuggling syndicate operating at terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). A May 21 letter signed by Justice Secretary Menardo I. Gueverra, released to reporters on Sunday, said Pasay City Prosecutor Benjamin B. Lanto, Assistant State Prosecutor Florencio Dela Cruz, Jr., and Associate Prosecution Attorney Clementine Villanueva are facing complaints “for gross neglect of duty, gross incompetence and inefficiency committed.” BusinessWorld reported on May 17 that an incident involving an attempt to smuggle 1.9 kilos of assorted gold jewelry worth around P6 million was being investigated by authorities. According to the letter, the three were arrested and later released following an inquest proceeding for being alleged conspirators in the illegal operation. The three were directed to submit their affidavits and evidence to the department within 10 days of receipt of the order. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

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