CEBU officials in government and the church welcomed the verdict in the eight-year-old shabu laboratory raid in Mandaue City.
“This is a victory in our war against drugs. It shows that the criminal justice is working,” said Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera.
“The court has spoken loud and clear. I’m happy with the decision of the court. This serves as a warning to all , especially syndicates, that they have no space here. We don’t tolerate illegal activities in Mandaue,” said Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes.
Sen. Vicente Sotto III, former Dangerous Drugs Board chairman, lauded Judge Marilyn Yap for the conviction.
“It sends a strong message that money can’t buy anything,” Sotto said in a radio interview.
“This is certainly a breakthrough in our campaign against illegal drugs,” said Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. “It sends a very positive signal to the public that continues to be threatened with the ill effects to drug abuse.”
The case brought down “big fish” said Jigger Montallana, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency PDEA in Central Visayas.
“They are high-value targets. This is a strong message in Central Visayas that they can be convicted and not just small personalities.”
Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said he is thankful the shabu laboratory was discovered and that the verdict was out.
“It serves as a warning to others. We know the ill effects of illegal drugs,” he said./Rhea Ruth Rosell, Norman Mendoza, Carmel Lois Matus, Ador Vincent Mayol