Manila: Authorities uncovered a suspected clandestine drug laboratory operating in a remote island village in Looc, Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday. Elements of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group conducted the operation in Golo Island at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday, following intelligence reports about a possible clandestine laboratory operating in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, initial reports showed that several chemicals allegedly linked to the manufacture of illegal drugs were recovered during the raid. The PNP said authorities have yet to identify the substances pending forensic examination as investigators validate the identities of those involved and determine the scale of the operation. The operation stemmed from information provided by a suspect previously arrested in Batangas, who allegedly disclosed the existence of a drug laboratory in the island community.

Looc is part of the Lubang Island group off the northwestern coast of Occidental Mindoro. Several villages in the area are accessible only by boat and have limited communication infrastructure, making intelligence operations difficult. Police said the recovered chemicals could point to possible violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the manufacture of dangerous drugs and the operation of clandestine laboratories.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he had ordered a thorough investigation to identify and arrest those behind the facility. 'The discovery of these chemical substances in Occidental Mindoro highlights a dangerous trend where drug syndicates exploit isolated island communities to evade detection, but the PNP is adapting quickly,' Nartatez said in a statement. 'This is clear proof of the dedication and hard work of our personnel in the campaign against illegal drugs. No area is too far or too remote in our effort to run after those who threaten peace and order through illegal activities.'