CEBU CITY — More than 20 village officials allegedly engaged in narco-politics in Central Visayas are seeking reelection in the barangay polls next month, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) regional office said Thursday.
PDEA 7 (Central Visayas) Director Emerson Margate said they have coordinated with the Commission on Elections and confirmed that these barangay officials who are in their list of suspected narco-politicians have already filed their certificates of candidacy.
Margate said these village officials have no direct involvement in illegal drug activities but are or have been allegedly receiving protection money from drug pushers in their respective barangays.
The PDEA-7 chief, however, said they cannot yet reveal the names of these officials pending the order from the central office.
“Once we receive the order from the national headquarters, we will surely announce the names of these officials,” Margate said.
In the meantime, PDEA-7 will continue to monitor the activities of these people, especially now that they need funds for their campaign.
Margate also urged the people to be more vigilant of the activities of these suspected narco-politicians and advised them not to give them another term of office.
“If they know of the involvement of these officials in illegal drugs, then they (constituents) should not vote for them,” Margate said.
Village officials who have not done anything to address the drug problem in their barangays don’t deserve to be reelected as well, he added. (PNA)
