De Lima's 'nephew', co-accused in drug case nabbed in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines —  Authorities arrested Jose Adrian “Jad” Dera, Sen. Leila De Lima’s co-accused in the government’s drug case against her, on Friday morning.

National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin and lawyer Raymond Palad, Dera’s legal counsel, confirmed this.

Palad said NBI agents arrested Palad in Angeles, Pampanga at 5:30 a.m.

The arrest was made by virtue of the warrant issued by a Muntinlupa court, Lavin said.

Drug charges

Dera has been in hiding from the government for more than two years.

He is facing two conspiracy to commit drug trading charges before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branches 205 and 256.

The charges stemmed from the proliferation of drug trading in the New Bilibid Prison. De Lima is accused of having a hand in this, during her stint as Justice secretary.

Dera is accused of collecting money inside the national penitentiary to allegedly fund De Lima's senatorial bid.

De Lima, in 2017, denied knowing Dera, who was earlier referred to as her supposed nephew and aide. The senator stressed that Dera has not worked for her as an aide or in any capacity.

De Lima attends trial after visiting ailing mother

On Friday morning, De Lima attended the resumption of trial at the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205.

The senator came from Iriga City, Camarines Sur where, after securing furlough from the local courts, she visited her ailing mother.

She was allowed to stay at their ancestral home in Iriga City for eight hours.

She flew back to Manila late Thursday night.