Three Filipinos in shabu lab raid in Pasig to turn state witnesses

Three Filipinos who were arrested with eight Chinese nationals during a raid last Nov. 8 on a makeshift shabu laboratory that yielded 20 kilos of shabu in Pasig City will turn state witnesses.

This developed as the National Drug Enforcement and Prevention (NDEP) office denied, on a mere technicality, the P1 million reward claim of a civilian informer who tipped off the police on the location of the shabu laboratory.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is presently processing the papers of the Filipinos, Luven San Juan, 19; Geneveve Ordono, 20, and Analyn Plaza, 23, all natives of Agusan del Norte, for their inclusion in the government’s witness protection program (WPP).

Elements of the Regional Intelligence and Special Operations Office (RISOO) said the three Filipinas had the least participation in the drug syndicate’s operations as they acted only as "guides" during the delivery of shabu.

Newly installed Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay said if the three Filipinos qualify under the WPP guidelines, his command would extend its utmost support.

"If they qualify and could help in the prosecution of the cases against the eight Chinese nationals, we would give our utmost support," said Aglipay in a telephone interview.

Chief Inspector Nelson Yabut, RISOO investigation head said the three Filipinos have signified their intention to turn state witnesses against the drug syndicate.

The DOJ will take the statements of the three Filipinos anytime today to bolster their case against the eight Chinese nationals. Aside from 20 kilos of shabu and shabu-making chemicals, RISOO operatives also confiscated from the foreigners three high-powered firearms, bankbooks and bank statements and other documents detailing their drug syndicate’s operations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Under the WPP, a witness will receive monthly allowances and other perks and benefits from the government. They will also be kept in a "safehouse" during the prosecution of the cases they are involved in.

Meanwhile, the NDEP’s denial of the P1 million reward to the civilian informer could discourage other informants from working with the government in going after big-time drug syndicates.

The NDEP denied the civilian’s reward claim because the RISOO operation was not properly coordinated with their office in Camp Crame. Under the NDEPs "private eye" program, an informant would receive P50,000 for every kilo of shabu recovered by the government.