OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — Olongapo City police chief Col. Randy Arceo was relieved from his post on Friday following the discovery of a shabu laboratory at the the Subic Bay Freeport.
Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon police director, cited the doctrine of command responsibility in Arceo’s relief after four of his men were arrested during the raid.
Lt. Reynato Basa Jr. and Cpls. Gino dela Cruz, Edesyr Victor Alipio and Godfrey Parentela of the Olongapo police drug enforcement unit are said to be protectors of the operators of the shabu laboratory.
The Philippine National Police Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management has started its probe of the four police officers. De Leon also ordered the dismantling of the city’s drug enforcement unit.
“The deputy police chief will take over while we deliberate on Arceo’s replacement,” De Leon said.
At least 300 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P2 million were reportedly recovered from the suspects.
Authorities said the makeshift laboratory could produce up to four kilos of shabu per day. – Emmanuel Tupas