Busay captain denies using illegal substances

Busay Barangay Captain Amilo Lopez has admitted he was the one found positive for drug use during a surprise test conducted by the Office for Substance Abuse Prevention last Thursday.

COSAP head Alice Utlang has refused to confirm the information citing confidentiality of drug test results but Lopez himself said Utlang already informed him about it. Lopez, however, denied using illegal drugs. “Ambot ngano… basta ako, dili ko guilty, bisan gamay dili ko guilty kay wa gyud ko migamit niana. Kun moingon hinoon mo nga maintenance medicines, diay daghan, pakit-on ta mo sa akong mga gitumar nga maintenace nga tambal ug mga vitamins,” Lopez told The FREEMAN. He said he will consult his lawyer about the situation. “Silotan man ko og kamatayon, dili gyud ko mahadlok kay dili guilty,” Lopez said.

Lopez, an ally of Team Rama, said he was hospitalized for four days in December last year due to a heart problem and hypertension that is why he is taking maintenance drugs. Aside from the maintenance medicine, he is also taking Pharmaton, a strength enhancer.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said yesterday he believes that there are other barangay captains who may be using illegal drugs, which was why they choose not to attend their assembly at the White Gold Restaurant the other day during which they were asked to undergo a drug test.

Of the 80 barangay captains in Cebu City, only 60 attended the assembly of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

Utlang said the urine sample that has been found positive will be forwarded to the PNP Crime Laboratory in Manila for confirmatory test.

Osmeña said Lopez should resign if the confirmatory test would yield positive results.

ko