PNP probes barangay officials linked to drugs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) are now conducting investigation on the involvement of some barangay officials in illegal drugs activities, especially in their respective communities.

Director General Ronald dela Rosa, PNP chief, said the conduct of the investigation is based on the narco-list of President Duterte which was already forwarded to the national police force.

“The list is now with the DI (Directorate for Intelligence). There is now a move on the part of the PNP and the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) to confirm that they are indeed involve in drug trade,” said Dela Rosa.

President Duterte had earlier announced that 40 percent of the barangay chairmen around the country are involved in illegal drugs trade.

This is one of the reasons he wants to cancel the barangay elections and appoint instead the barangay officials. The move is supported by his allies, especially in the House of Representatives.

Once a confirmation was made, Dela Rosa said a case build-up will follow against the erring barangay chairmen.

“(Interior) Secretary (Mike) Sueno is leaving it up to the PNP for a case build-up,” said Dela Rosa.

The investigation, Dela Rosa said, would also focus on whether or not some of the barangay chairmen on the Duterte list have already stopped from drug trade activities.

If they did, the Chief PNP said they will give the barangay chairmen the chance to change.

The PNP, it was recalled, also handled the investigation of mayors allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade.

Despite the list and the move to force the mayors to surrender, no charges were filed against them, with police investigators saying it is very difficult to prove their involvement in drug trade.