Erap warns barangay chiefs linked to drugs

MANILA, Philippines -  Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has issued another ultimatum to barangay chairmen to cut their ties with drug dealers or they would be dismissed from the service.

Estrada said the investigation of barangay chiefs linked to illegal drugs is nearing completion.

“There will be no second chances. Barangay chairmen involved in drugs will be immediately removed from office, especially those on the drug watchlist,” he said.

The Manila Police District (MPD) is building up the cases against barangay officials, who are either in the payroll of drug rings or involved in drug dealing in their jurisdiction, Estrada said.

He said 32 barangay captains and councilmen are on the watchlist of the MPD, including a barangay chief in Malate who had been shot dead by unknown assailants.

The mayor said results of the drug testing conducted on the city’s 896 barangay chairmen would be released soon.

Meanwhile, more than 200 children from the city-run Manila Boystown complex in Marikina have completed the anti-drug education program being implemented by Estrada.

The orphans, aged eight to 14, are the first batch of beneficiaries who underwent the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) lessons.

Estrada called on the DARE graduates to keep away from drugs and other vices.

Donna Gasgonia, DARE executive vice president, said the children were given DARE lessons by MPD officers.

Estrada introduced the DARE program in the country in 1993 when he was vice president.