MANILA, Philippines -- A Filipino and nine Chinese nationals were sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for operating an illegal drugs laboratory in Lipa City, in the province of Batangas, an antinarcotics official said.

In a 15-page ruling, Judge Albert Kalalo of the Batangas City Regional Trial Court found the 10 guilty of violating drugs laws, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Dionisio Santiago said.

Filipino Benjamin Marcelo was slapped with reclusion perpetua and a P15 million fine, while Chinese nationals Peter Ong, Chuy Chuacoco, Tan Chin Hui, Tan Chin Bun, Lee Chang, Chang Sian, Ko Kiat, Wong Soi Kwan, and Lin Chun were sentenced to life imprisonment and a P5 million fine each.

In April 2001, police seized 53.55 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) plus assorted chemicals in the clandestine laboratory operated by the 10. Another five kilograms of shabu were seized from Marcelo’s car inside the laboratory compound.