• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 76 barangay officials in Western Visayas allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade are now under monitoring by the Philippine National Police (PNP), almost five months before the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30 this year, according to acting police regional director, PBrig. Sidney Villaflor.
Of the 76, the Police Regional Office 6 reported that 20 are barangay captains, while 56 are barangay kagawads, who were previously arrested, surrendered, or delisted and placed under monitoring.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda earlier revealed that there are 430 barangay officials nationwide included in the PNP watch list, as being either high value or street level individuals.
In a statement, Villaflor said they are closely monitoring and preparing a strong case buildup against the barangay officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
Acorda reported that Western Visayas has the highest number of barangay officials with links to the illegal drug trade.
These barangay officials have varying involvement in illegal drugs, where some are pushers, some are protectors, and others are financiers, he said.
However, it was not established if there are barangay officials in Negros Occidental with links to the illegal drug trade
“We will continue to strike without fear, even if it involves government officials,” Villaflor said as he vowed to use all resources available of PRO 6 to end the drug menace in the region.
He also stressed that the inclusion of 76 barangay officials on the drug watch list strengthens the notion that no one is above the law.
By causing the arrest of government officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs and their trade, it serves as a stern warning to other drug personalities within their scope, Villaflor said.
He urged elected government officials involved in illegal drugs to end it immediately.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also urged all candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to undergo drug tests, amid police intelligence reports that there are around 430 barangay officials involved in the illegal drugs activities.
Abalos said illegal drugs remain one of the biggest problems in the country and barangay officials should take the lead not only in fighting it, but also leading by example, by proving that they are clean.*
