Charges filed vs Aurora vice mayor

The acting vice mayor of Dingalan, Aurora, who is suspected to be the protector of the recently busted clandestine shabu laboratory, was charged yesterday morning for the manufacture of dangerous drugs before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Head Agent Roel Bolivar, of the National Bureau of Investigation-Reaction Arrest and Interdiction Division (NBI-RAID), said they filed charges against acting Dingalan Vice Mayor Hiram Edgar Liu, of Barangay Dabil-Dabilan, Dingalan, Aurora.

"On several occasions, from July-August 2006, with Vice Mayor Liu’s assistance and protection, this syndicate was able to manufacture undetermined quantity of shabu in the aforementioned clandestine shabu laboratory and was able to successfully transport and dispose the same," said Bolivar in their report.

The NBI said Liu was the alleged financier, benefactor and protector of the syndicate.

One witness said Liu brokered the sale of the property in behalf of a Chinese buyer identified only as Simon. Last June 28, he reportedly gave the witness P500,000 as downpayment.

Also charged before the DOJ were two Chinese nationals who use the aliases Simon Tan and "Doctor," both residents of Barangay Butas Na Bato in Dingalan, and Liu’s godson Hernani Tristan de Guzman, 28, of Barangay Dabil-Dabilan.

The four men reportedly violated section 8 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 that covered provisions against the manufacture of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals. They all remain at large.

Executive Officer Henry de Vera said they subpoenaed Liu and De Guzman to shed light on the case, but only Liu’s lawyer submitted his counter-affidavit.