2 ex-mayors arrested in Masbate shabu lab raid

(Updated 3:12 p.m.) Two former mayors were arrested in a raid by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on a suspected drug laboratory in Masbate province on Saturday.

 

PDEA and PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force agents acted on a tip showing the shabu laboratory is in Masbate City, radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported.

 

According to PNP-AIDSOTF spokesman Senior Superintendent Roque Merdegia Jr., the raiding team searched two compounds where the suspected facilities were located.

 

The PNP and PDEA suspect the laboratory was established by one Ponga Lee a.k.a. Co, and locals including Lester, Bing, Kalbo, Cherry Boy, Nonoy, Manoy Boy, and Sarge.

 

An investigation showed the two compounds at Sitio Cagba in Barangay Tugbo were owned by former Milagros town Mayor Bernardito Abapo.

 

Arrested in the raid on that compound were Barangay Magallanes captain Lester Abapo, a former mayor of Milagros town and "Kalbo."

 

Meanwhile, the other compound at Secret Garden Resort at Barangay Nursery in Masbate City is reportedly owned by Cherry Boy Abapo, a former mayor of San Fernando, Masbate.

 

Cherry Boy was arrested.

 

Seized were assorted chemicals and laboratory equipment believed used in the making of shabu. Also seized were firearms.

 

The three now face charges of violating the comprehensive anti-drug law.

 

A separate report by a GMA News stringer said authorities did not allow media or even the Abapos' lawyer Lowell Pillejera to enter the compound during the raid.  — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News