NBI Raids Pasig Homes Allegedly Owned by Ex-Speaker Velasco Over Illegal Firearms Report
Bureau confirms August operation in upscale Valle Verde subdivision
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed on Wednesday that it raided several houses in the upscale Valle Verde subdivision in Pasig City last month, acting on intelligence reports that illegal high-powered firearms were allegedly being kept inside properties linked to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed the operation publicly for the first time, confirming that agents executed search warrants on the properties in August. The confirmation came in response to queries about the bureau's activities, which had apparently not been widely publicized at the time of the raids.
What We Know So Far
According to Matibag, the operation was triggered by intelligence information suggesting that unlicensed high-powered firearms were stored in the residences. The NBI implemented search warrants as part of its mandate to enforce firearms regulations and investigate potential violations of Philippine law.
Key details of the operation include:
- Location: Multiple houses in Valle Verde subdivision, Pasig City — an affluent gated community in Metro Manila
- Timing: August 2026, though the raids were only publicly confirmed this week
- Basis: Intelligence reports alleging illegal possession of high-powered firearms
- Agency involved: National Bureau of Investigation, under Director Melvin Matibag
The properties are allegedly owned by Velasco and his wife, though the exact ownership structure and the results of the searches have not been fully disclosed.
Background on Lord Allan Velasco
Lord Allan Velasco served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from October 2020 to June 2022, during the 18th Congress. His speakership was marked by a contentious leadership battle with then-Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, which was ultimately resolved through a term-sharing agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
After his stint as Speaker, Velasco remained a member of the House of Representatives, representing the lone district of Marinduque. He has been a figure in Philippine politics for over a decade, having first been elected to Congress in 2010.
The revelation of the raids raises questions about the timing and the political context surrounding the operation. The NBI, which falls under the Department of Justice, is tasked with investigating high-profile crimes and has been involved in numerous politically sensitive cases in recent years.
Analysis: Why This Matters
The confirmation of raids on properties linked to a former Speaker of the House is significant on multiple levels:
Political sensitivity: Any law enforcement action involving a former high-ranking official — particularly one from the legislative branch — inevitably carries political undertones. The fact that the raids occurred in August but are only being confirmed now raises questions about whether the operation was deliberately kept quiet or whether it simply did not generate immediate public attention.
Firearms regulation enforcement: The Philippines maintains strict regulations on firearms ownership, particularly for high-powered weapons. If the intelligence reports prove accurate, the case could represent one of the more prominent firearms-related investigations involving a political figure in recent memory.
Institutional independence: The NBI's willingness to execute search warrants on properties linked to a former Speaker — regardless of the ultimate outcome — may be viewed as a test of the bureau's operational independence under the current administration.
Potential legal ramifications: Depending on what was found during the searches, Velasco could face criminal charges related to illegal possession of firearms. Under Philippine law, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act carry significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
What Happens Next
As of now, neither Velasco nor his representatives have issued a public statement responding to the NBI's confirmation. The results of the search warrants — including whether any firearms were actually recovered — have not been disclosed.
Legal analysts will be watching closely to see whether the Department of Justice files charges based on the raid's findings, and whether Velasco's camp challenges the validity of the search warrants in court. The former Speaker has not been charged with any crime at this point, and the investigation remains ongoing.
For now, the NBI's confirmation marks the first official acknowledgment of an operation that could have far-reaching implications — both legally and politically — for one of the country's most recognizable political families.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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