The Philippine National Police (PNP) is 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 earlier announced that 40 percent of the barangay captains across the country are involved in illegal drugs trade.
This also became his reason why he wants to cancel the barangay elections and appoint the barangay officials instead.
The move is supported by his allies, especially in the House of Representatives.
Once a confirmation was made, Dela Rosa said case build-up will follow against the erring barangay captains.
“(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 captains in Duterte list have already stopped their drug trade activities.
If they did, the Chief PNP said they will give the barangay captains the chance to change.
The PNP, it was recalled, also handled the investigation of mayors allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade.
But 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 drugs trade. (AARON RECUENCO)