A suspect arrested in Cebu is linked to an illegal drug lab.
Some claimed he was a chemical engineer.
That claim is false.
What Was the Claim?
Posts on social media said:
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The suspect is a chemical engineer
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He used his knowledge to run a drug lab
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His background made the operation more dangerous
These claims spread fast.
Many believed them without checking the source.
What’s the Truth?
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released a statement.
Their database shows:
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No record of the suspect as a licensed chemical engineer
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No recent applications under his name
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No indication of any chemical engineering background
That ends the speculation.
He is not a licensed engineer.
Why Does This Matter?
False claims can:
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Mislead the public
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Create fear or panic
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Distract from the real issue—drug production
You deserve facts, not guesses.
Did He Have Technical Knowledge?
That part remains under investigation.
Authorities said:
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He handled chemicals
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He worked with lab equipment
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He followed detailed procedures
But none of this proves formal training.
You don’t need a degree to be dangerous.
You need access and intent.
How Did Police Find the Lab?
Officers received a tip.
They raided the area in Cebu.
They found:
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Glassware
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Suspicious liquids
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Heating devices
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Substances linked to drug processing
The suspect was caught on-site.
What Charges Does He Face?
He faces:
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Drug manufacturing
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Possession of illegal substances
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Violation of Republic Act 9165
The investigation is ongoing.
More suspects may be involved.
How Should You Respond?
Ask questions when you see viral posts.
Check official records.
Don’t share unverified claims.
The PRC has a public website.
You can check anyone’s license status.
Be a smart reader.
Not everything online is true.
How Did The Story Spread?
Posts on Facebook and TikTok repeated the claim.
Some used fake credentials.
Others included edited photos.
One video even called the suspect a “mastermind chemist.”
None of that was backed by real data.
What Can Journalists Do Better?
Report facts, not rumors.
Before publishing, they should:
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Confirm licenses through PRC
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Ask for official records
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Avoid quoting anonymous online sources
You deserve honest reporting.
Why Is This Trend Dangerous?
This isn’t the first time this has happened.
People often label suspects as professionals to make the story more dramatic.
That can damage reputations.
It also reduces trust in real experts.
Should You Be Worried About Fake Engineers?
Yes—if they work in public systems like:
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Water treatment
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Food safety
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Medicine
But in this case, the real danger wasn’t his background.
It was the illegal drug lab.
Focus on the act, not the title.
What Can You Do Now?
Use these tools to verify:
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Official police press releases
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DOH and PDEA bulletins
Don’t rely on screenshots.
Don’t spread news unless you’re sure.
Final Notes
The Cebu suspect was not a chemical engineer.
That claim is false.
What matters now is that authorities stopped a drug operation.
Stick to facts.
Help your friends and family do the same.
