PDEA prepares case vs narco-politicians

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–7 is now preparing the filing of charges against the three alleged narco-politicians in Central Visayas who were named last April 30.

“As early as January ay nag-submit na kami ng reports sa kanila (national headquarters).  I-review pa din kasi iyon ng legal kasi mayroon pa rin ang pag-compare ng notes sa DILG.  Kung okay na iyong papel ay saka natin i-file para simultaneous iyong proseso,” said PDEA–7 Director Emerson Margate said.

Criminal and administrative cases will be filed against Ramonette Durano, former barangay captain of Suba, Danao City; Bibiano Cabaron, former barangay captain and now municipal councilor of Ronda, Cebu; and Ferdinand ‘Denden’ Bas, former barangay captain of Lagtang, Talisay City.

The three were among the 207 alleged barangay officials involved in illegal drugs, according to PDEA.

However, Margate said that they are still studying whether an administrative case can still stand against Durano and Bas considering that they are no longer holding government positions.

“Pero itong dalawa kasi, kung lalo na sa administrative, ay baka hindi na tayo makapag-file kasi hindi na nga sila incumbent barangay officials.  But, in all other aspects, lahat tinitingnan natin,” Margate said.

PDEA–7 will also look into the assets of these personalities to check whether they were acquired legally or illegally.

Margate added that they are now asking the list from the Comelec of the winners of the recently concluded barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections to check how many narco-politicians in their new list won during the election.

“Para mai-compare kung nandoon nga iyong mga tao na involved pa din sa illegal drugs, we’ll take necessary action. Kung nasa drugs ka pa din ay wala akong pakialam kung na-elect ka o wala, eh nasa drugs ka eh,” said Margate.

It can be recalled that weeks prior to the election, Margate revealed that there are around 20 personalities who sought positions in the barangay elections who were on their list. — GAN (FREEMAN)