Pubdate: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Note: also listed for feedback Author: Ben O. Tesiorna Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rodrigo+Duterte Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines MAYOR: 2 MORE DRUG LORDS IN DAVAO CITY DAVAO CITY -- At least two more big-time drug lords who are directly involved in manufacturing illegal drugs in the region are walking around freely in Davao City, said Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Sunday. He added that reports from the field tend to show there is one more major shabu laboratory somewhere in Bukidnon, in the outskirts of Davao City. The two suspects, he said, were also involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in the raided laboratory in Dumoy, Talomo District last December 31, 2004. He said the two could be now working at another shabu laboratory. "Ang (The) common practice kasi ng mga (of) shabu manufacturers (is) that once they make enough money sa isang (in one) laboratory ay hinahayaan na nilang ipa-raid ito sa mga otoridad (is that they allow this to be raided)," Duterte said. This is the reason why, Duterte said, that in many shabu laboratory raids no suspects were ever apprehended. He said in their previous raid a drug lord even "offered P100 million to the authorities before his death". Duterte did not identify the drug lord but many suspect it to be Allan Sy who is still missing until now but whom Duterte said is accounted for. The mayor did not discount the possibility some authorities are paid to let the drug lords escape before the raid. He assured the public though that no such thing will happen in Davao City. At the same time, Duterte also expressed his skepticism on the explanation of two police officers seen escorting suspected drug lords sometime last year. He said he is not satisfied with their explanation hinting the two are not yet off the hook. Duterte earlier admitted the two are still being monitored by city authorities. - ---