DILG starts probing barangay officials for drug links

Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno on Thursday said they are now investigating barangay officials who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

“Gina-gather na rin namin ngayon yung mga reports ng mga barangay captains na involved sa drugs,” Sueno told reporters during the 50th anniversary of National Police Commission (Napolcom) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Sueno said he expects the investigation to be finished in a month.

He said the investigation is in preparation if ever President Rodrigo Duterte, swept to power in May on promises to wipe out crime and corruption within six months, orders the replacement of local officials.

"Kung sabihin ng Presidente na palitan natin itong mga involved sa drugs [ay] palitan natin. So para pagsabi ng Presidente na palitan, we are ready with a list," Sueno said.

In his keynote speech during the event, Sueno reiterated that they are happy that Congress is leaning toward the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections originally set in October.

"We are glad that the Congress is postponing because we have yet to eliminate the drug lords," he said. "Many of the candidates will be financed and funded by drug lords. We are happy that they are postponing the polls."

He added that Duterte wants all barangay captains protecting illegal drugs to be replaced.

Sueno also said that the Philippines could've become a narco-state if Duterte was not elected President.

"Kung hindi si Presidente Duterte ang presidente ngayon, our country would have been a narco-state in the next six years. Bakit? Alam niyo po ang drugs [have]  proliferated not only in Mindanao, not only in Metro Manila, but all throughout the barangays in the entire country. Talagang napakalaki na po," he said.

He said illegal drugs proliferated because drug syndicates enjoy the protection of local officials and police officers.

"It has proliferated in the entire country because of the protection of the police and the local executives. Kung sila na ang magpoprotekta nito, sino pa ang kakalaban?" Sueno said.

He also admitted that the DILG is having a hard time getting evidence against drug lords.

"Mahirap dahil may pera, may baril, at saka powerful na sila," Sueno said. —KBK, GMA News