MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday clarified that it will wait for instructions from President Rodrigo R. Duterte on whether to release the names of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs.
“If I have my way and the President will order it, I will reveal the names of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement, clarifying reports on the release of the names of 289 village officials suspected of drug connections in Eastern Visayas.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had earlier cautioned the public against voting for candidates in the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections who have links to illegal drugs in their area.
In Cebu, PDEA Central Visayas Director Emerson Margate said more than 20 barangay officials are being monitored for their alleged links and involvement in illegal drug activities.
Most of these officials, Margate said have already filed their certificates of candidacy.
Margate calls on the constituents of the said officials who are aware of their illegal activities, not to support them in the coming barangay elections.
Out of the 42,000 barangays across the country, 12,000 do not have a functioning BADAC, based on data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (HVP with PNA)
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