Ex-NBI exec tagged in Catanduanes shabu lab surrenders

A former regional official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who was being linked to the shabu laboratory found in Virac, Catanduanes has surrendered to authorities.

The NBI disclosed this on Wednesday and identified the suspect as ex-acting regional director of NBI-Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO) Atty. Augusto Eric Isidoro.

Isidoro is being identified as the owner of the property where the shabu laboratory in Virac, Catanduanes was discovered.

NBI Spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Lavin said Isidoro surrendered to the NBI-Regional Capital Region (NBI-NCR) last March 20.

“He was immediately processed following the standard procedure of fingerprinting, booking, and photograph; and was medically examined by the NBI-Medico Legal Officer,” Lavin said in a press conference.

After the booking procedures, Isidoro was endorsed to the Security Management Division (NBI Jail) where he is currently being held temporarily while awaiting the commitment order from the Virac court.

The NBI-NCR, Lavin said, has also transmitted the return of warrant of arrest to the court.

Isidoro allegedly owns the 1,000-square meter lot in Virac where the alleged shabu laboratory was built, according to the NBI.

Authorities said the Virac shabu laboratory was probably the biggest discovered in the country since it has six hydrogenators that can produce up to 9.6 tons of shabu every month.                   /kga