CLANDESTINE SHABU LAB NOT REMOTE, ARROYO SAYS

Isabela, Negros Occ. - The possibility that a clandestine shabu
laboratory has been established in Negros Occidental or in other
provinces of Western Visayas is not remote at all.

Retained Region 6 police chief George Alino yesterday raised such
possibility as he alerted the people of Western Visayas to be wary
about the presence of suspicious-looking persons who engage in
mysterious manufacturing in their areas.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is also coordinating with
various law enforcement intelligence units in verifying persistent
reports about the existence of a clandestine shabu laboratory in
Negros Occidental.

Alino said it is likely that drug syndicates may put up clandestine
shabu laboratories outside Metro Manila, to avoid detection from PDEA
and other police units.

He confirmed the statement of Region 6 PDEA chief Rolen Balquin that
they also received reports on the alleged existence of a shabu
laboratory in the region.

However, he added, such report is still to be unverified until
now.

The Police Regional Office 6 and PDEA asked the public to report any
suspicious shipment, or the presence of chemicals used in the
manufacture of shabu, such as ephedrine, acetone and sulphoric acid,
which are also used in making legitimate drugs, in their areas.

Alino said the series of raids on clandestine laboratories in central
Luzon and Metro Manila led to the scarcity of shabu supply in the
country, especially in Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, Alino also said the reshuffling of provincial and city
directors is expected to be announced soon.

He also hinted at the imminent transfer of Supt. Mark Edison Belarma,
acting provincial police director of Negros Occidental, to another key
position in the Philippine National Police organization.

Alino, who is among the seven regional police directors in the country
spared from the revamp, said the relief of city and provincial police
directors will be done in consultation with their respective local
government chief executives.

Senior Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, former Negros Occidental police
director, reassumed his old position as the PNP spokesman. On the
other hand, newly-promoted Chief Supt. Geary Barias also remained as
director of the Headquarters Service Support Group of the PNP.