Nabbed officials

Gov. Hilario Davide III warned local officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs to stop their illicit activities. Or else.

Davide told reporters that town officials are not exempted in the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The governor was reacting to the arrest of three San Fernando officials, including the town’s ABC president, yesterday.

He told reporters that the development could have a negative effect on their constituents, especially those who voted for them in the last elections.

He urged public officials to set a good example for the public.

In a separate interview, Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Director Rene Burdeos said the San Fernando Municipal Council can still function even without the three councilors since there are eight remaining councilors left to form a quorum.

Burdeos said the three councilors can resume their duties once they post bail, although they will eventually face the consequences if their involvement in illegal drugs is proven.

He said he received a confidential report with a list of barangay officials in the region, who are allegedly involved in the drug trade, but he cannot remember if the three San Fernando councilors were mentioned.

Meanwhile, ABC Provincial Federation president Celestino Martinez III said that they will not stand for any barangay captains or officials, who are linked in the illegal drug trade.

“It doesn’t really matter whether you are a barangay captain or a fellow policeman. But if you are a person with vested powers to supposedly ensure the security and well-being of the community, you should be the one to set an example,” he said. /