PNP monitoring barangay officials tied to illegal drugs

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 23) — Aside from monitoring private armed groups for the coming local elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is also on the lookout for barangay officials who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

"Dahil nga papalapit ang barangay SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) elections ay kasama sa minomonitor natin yung ilang mga barangay officials na nasasangkot sa illegal na droga at katuwang naman natin ang PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) sa pagmomonitor at pagki-case buildup diyan sa ating mga binabantayan," PNP Public Information Office Chief PBGen. Red Maranan said in a briefing Tuesday.

[Translation: Since the barangay and SK elections are approaching, we are monitoring some barangay officials who are involved in illegal drugs and we are partnering with the PDEA in monitoring and establishing case buildup among those whom we are monitoring.]

Maranan said these erring officials pose a threat to the safety of the community.

This is why it is important to dismantle drug syndicates in localities as early as now, he added.

"Siyempre napakalaki ng epekto niyan doon sa kampanya na ginagawa sa paglaban sa illegal na droga sapagkat alam natin kapag ang isang namumuno ay may kinalaman sa illegal na droga, nawawala ng saysay yung ating mga pamamaraan at paglaban natin sa illegal na droga dahil maaaring siya ay nagiging protektor at naitatago niya yung mga impormasyon na dapat ay nakakarating agad sa mga law enforcement agency at sa ganun ay magamit sa mabilis na paghuli at pagbuwag sa sindikato ng droga," the police official stressed.

[Translation: Of course, that has a huge impact on the campaign against illegal drugs because when a leader is involved in illegal drugs, our fight against illegal drugs becomes futile since they may become protectors and withhold information that we can use to quickly catch and dismantle drug syndicates.]

In relation to the barangay and SK polls this coming October 30, the PNP previously said it is monitoring at least 48 private armed groups.

Police are asking communities to report individuals who are likely involved in shootings or armed groups that could be used during the elections.