Detained shabu lab caretaker now willing to become state witness

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines – The detained caretaker of the shabu laboratory busted by authorities in Naguilian, La Union in July 2008 has executed an affidavit asking the court to turn him into a state witness.

Dante Palaganas, in his Sept. 12 sworn statement, said he is now willing to become a government state witness against those involved in the shabu lab operations, including Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo, former Dagupan City police chief.

In his affidavit, Palaganas tagged Borromeo as the alleged protector of the shabu lab, which operated from May 2007 to July 2008.

A certain Joselito Artuz, alias George Cordero, was implicated as the alleged financier, while five Chinese nationals, all unidentified, ran the shabu lab.

Borromeo is now out on P1-million bail while Artuz remains at large.

“Based on this sworn statement, I now declare to the authorities that I am giving my permission to the government to use me as witness if the court allows,” Palaganas’ affidavit read.

Palaganas also wrote Judge Rose Mary Molina-Alim of the Bauang Regional Trial Court that he was withdrawing the services of his private counsels, as he wanted to avail himself of the services of lawyers of the Public Attorney’s Office here. 

Prosecutors Danilo Bumacod, Manuel Dulnuan Jr. and Gaudencio Valdez Jr. filed a motion last Sept. 13 asking the court to allow them to prove the qualifications of Palaganas as a possible state witness. 

“Finally, he (Palaganas) would now tell everything about the laboratory and expose all those involved in the illegal activity,” said a source who has knowledge of the case. 

The shabu lab was built in a remote 11-hectare forested area in Barangay Bimmotobot, Naguilian town.

Palaganas alleged in his affidavit that Borromeo asked him to look for a lot for a supposed piggery before the elections in May 2007, and he would be paid P10,000 and would also be hired as caretaker.

He recalled that three Chinese nationals, along with Artuz, inspected the site, after which laborers from Manila arrived. 

After several days, Palaganas said chemicals were unloaded from closed vans without license plates.

Palaganas said he was the only person allowed to go inside the laboratory when the Chinese started manufacturing shabu.

“The Chinese worked at night. During the first operation, I went out because I could not endure the foul odor and smoke was very thick. I sent text messages to Sir (police official) asking what the operation is all about and why it is not piggery as he said. But he replied that I should not be scared and that they are only making hog vitamins for export,” Palaganas said.

As caretaker, Palaganas said he was paid P15,000 a month.