Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2003
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2003 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Gerry Baldo

SOLON REVEALS SHABU LAB IN GLORIA'S HOMETOWN

An investigation on the alleged presence of a huge "shabu" factory in 
President Arroyo's hometown of Lubao, Pampanga, was sought yesterday on 
reports that a culvert pipe factory in the town is being used as a front 
for the manufacture of methamphetamine hydrochloride, shabu or "poor man's 
cocaine."

According to Minority Leader Carlos Padilla, the factory, which is 
reportedly owned by Alfredo Tiongco, is located in a heavily guarded 
compound in San Jose Gumi in Lubao.

Tiongco had been the subject of a Senate probe a few years ago in 
connection with his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

This, as Malacanang yesterday approved the plan of Department of Interior 
and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jose Lina Jr. to make public the 
names of big-time drug lords and their protectors in the illegal drug trade.

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye, in a radio interview, said if Lina's 
plan pushes through, the movement and operation of the drug lords will be 
limited since they know the government has already identified them.

"Once their names are made public, I think the anti-drug campaign will be 
more effective since the movement of these drug lords will be limited and 
minimized," he added.

He said they have full trust and confidence that Lina would not recommend 
such a plan if it will only violate the law.

"According to residents of the town, the factory has more guards than a 
police detachment and the guards there have more high-powered guns than the 
entire Lubao police force," Padilla noted.

He also alleged the factory has secret chambers which are off-limits to 
workers and that foreigners are often seen working in the secret chambers.

"What is the big secret of this heavily guarded factory which is producing 
concrete things that are impossible to steal? People do not steal concrete 
pipes that weigh close to one ton," Padilla said.

Tiongco, who had allegedly been behind several drug-trafficking incidents 
including the about 300 kilos of shabu that was found inside his yacht and 
the reported shabu factory in his house along Talayan Avenue in Quezon 
City, was able to fly to Hong Kong and evade the charges. With Sherwin C. 
Olaes and Dennis Gasgonia
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