THE Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) Cebu Chapter issued a statement on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, denouncing misinformation circulating in news reports that “inaccurately identified” an alleged operator of an illegal drug laboratory in Cebu City, Stephen “Tepen” Tapulado, as a “chemical engineer.”
The clarification came after authorities successfully dismantled a drug laboratory operating within an apartment on D. Jakosalem Street on Monday, June 30.
In an official statement, PIChE Cebu commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Visayas and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for their swift and effective operation that led to the dismantling of the illegal drug laboratory.
The organization expressed its support for continued efforts in protecting the public from dangerous and illicit activities.
However, the PIChE Cebu emphasized that following verification with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and relevant academic institutions, it was confirmed that Tapulado is neither a licensed chemical engineer nor graduate of a chemical engineering program.
“His false representation and the media’s careless repetition of such claims unjustly malign the integrity of the chemical engineering profession,” it said in a statement.
PIChE Cebu expressed deep concern over what it termed “irresponsible reporting that associates our profession with criminal conduct.”
They underscored the vital role chemical engineers play in nation-building.
"The dissemination of unverified and misleading information," the statement read, "undermines the hard-earned reputation of thousands of law-abiding and ethical chemical engineers.
Initial reports from SunStar on Tuesday, July 1, indicated that PRO 7 Chief Brigadier General Redrico Maranan confirmed the target of the raid was an individual believed to be a "chemical engineer" under five months of surveillance for alleged manufacturing of shabu and party drugs across various Visayas regions and Zamboanga City.
PIChE Cebu strongly advised media outlets to prioritize due diligence and accuracy.
The organization concluded by reiterating its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in service to the Filipino people and the nation. (Antonette Caren Arrabis, CNU intern)