PNP seeks transfer of trial of 2 Masbate drug suspects

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has been asked to transfer the venue of the trial of the cases filed against two suspected drug lords who were arrested in a raid on two shabu laboratories in Masbate City last month.

The Philippine National Police-Anti Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (PNP-AIDSOTF) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency want the trial transferred from Masbate to Manila to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

The AIDSOTF made the request Monday, noting that the suspects, identified as Cherry Abapo Jr. and his cousin Lester Abapo, were said to be enjoying protection from local government officials.

The Abapos were arrested following a raid on two suspected shabu laboratories found within their compound in Barangay Nursery on Feb. 14.

Anti-narcotics agents seized 14 kilos of ephedrine, a chemical used in the manufacture of shabu, and equipment.

The PNP is urging Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas to investigate Masbate local officials for protecting the suspects.

Chief Inspector Roque Merdegia, AIDSOTF spokesman, said two village officials who witnessed the inventory of the evidence, testified in favor of the suspects.

“They were supposed to be our witnesses. These kind of officials should be investigated. They are supporting drug lords,” Merdegia said.

The Abapos submitted the sworn statements of the village officials during the preliminary investigation of the cases against them.