PNP: 2 lawmakers in C. Luzon narco list

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – At least two lawmakers, five mayors and a vice governor in Central Luzon are among those in the updated list of personalities with alleged links to the illegal drug trade, according to a police official.

Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, made the disclosure during a press briefing with Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on the sidelines of the 116th anniversary of the PNP at this camp yesterday.

Aquino refused to identify the officials pending validation and further investigation.

Early this month, Presi- dent Duterte said he has an updated list of those involved in the illegal drug trade, which includes local officials.

Duterte directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and PNP to double check the names of the personalities, including those in local government units, barangays and the police.

Drug suspect slain

Meanwhile, another drug suspect was killed in Cagayan as the government continued its campaign against illegal drugs on Monday.

Laborer Buyi Carera, 23, a resident of Barangay Macanaya in Aparri town, drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to an undercover agent in Barangay Alaguia, Lal-lo, police said. Carera’s alleged cohort escaped.

A sachet of shabu, marked money and an improvised gun were allegedly recovered from the fatality.

Also in Cagayan on Monday, security guard Alfonso Remudaro was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men along Washington street in Tuguegarao.

Police are still investigating the motive for the killing. The victim was not on the drug watchlist.

Ronald Martillano, 49, councilman of Barangay Catangraran in Solsona, Ilocos Norte, was among those arrested in stings in the past two days.

Chief Inspector Dexter Corpuz, Ilocos Norte police spokesman, said the suspect is a drug surrenderee and a “high-value” target.

Eight other drug suspects were arrested in police operations in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. They reportedly yielded 5.47 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of over P50,000.