PNP: 54 celebrities on 'drug list'

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) –  The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday disclosed that there are 54 celebrities included in their updated drug list.

According to NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, the names in the list were based on the information provided by actresses Sabrina M. and Krista Miller who were both arrested by the Quezon City Police District Office (QCPD) because of illegal drugs.

However, Albayalde refused to make public the names of the celebrities such that they are still validating the list.

"These are all being subjected to validation," he said.

The NCRPO chief also said that majority of the celebrities in the drug list are using shabu, cocaine and party drugs.

Albayalde said that the number in the list may increase while the drug operation being conducted by authorities in Metro Manila is ongoing.

"Every time we make arrests, more names are being included because they were all telling us the persons they transact with," he said.

The NCRPO chief clarified that actor Mark Anthony Fernandez who was arrested in possession of almost one kilo of marijuana last week in Pampanga was not included in the drug list.

Late September, newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin Diño said that the new “narco list” of President Rodrigo Duterte includes names of celebrities.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said he has no knowledge of the said list yet but said the Philippine National Police is already taking care of the said narco list involving celebrities.

“Wala po akong direktang knowledge diyan sa sinasabi na merong umanong listahan sa mga celebrities na sangkot sa ilegal na droga… alamin po natin sa Philippine National Police (PNP). Iyan po ay narinig ko rin po. I heard it through the grapevine but for me to say that I have direct knowledge, kung meron ganon, wala po,” Andanar said.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said there would be no special treatment for TV personalities. He said the police force will soon conduct “Oplan Tokhang” at TV stations to go after celebrities who are into illegal drugs. —PNA with reports from Philstar.com/Rosette Adel