SBMA: SHABU SHIP IN SUBIC TOWN, NOT SUBIC FREEPORT

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has issued a statement clarifying that “the suspected “floating shabu lab” raided by PNP operatives on Monday night (July 11) was intercepted within the municipal waters of the town of Subic, and NOT within the secured waters of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority/ Subic Bay Freeport.”

The vessel was seized off the coast of Calapandayan in the municipality of Subic, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said in the statement sent to the media.

“Please be informed that SBMA, through our Intelligence and Law Enforcement offices, has been closely coordinating with the PNP during the surveillance of the vessel in question,” Garcia claimed. “We assure our community and the public at large that the SBMA is always alert in securing the waters of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone against any sea-going vessels that may engage in any illegal activities,” he added.

Garcia issued the statement in the face of bad publicity and impression the Freeport is getting with the confusion between Subic Town and the Subic Freeport. He is expected to replaced as SBMA Chair & Administrator soon.

Garcia also issued a similar statement in 2013 when authorities seized some P2 B worth of shabu in Sta. Monica Village, also in Subic town.

However, in 2008, close to 800 kgs. of shabu estimated to be worth P4.5 B was seized from a Vietnam-registered Chinese ship, F/B Shun Fa Xing, which docked in the Subic Freeport. It was one of the biggest hauls authorities ever made in the fight against illegal drugs. (VVV)

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