Labella: Name narco-politicians

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella welcomes any move of the authorities to name narco-politicians that are included on the drug watchlist, to filter “unscrupulous” candidates.

“I share with that sentiment because you know when you become a public official, your privacy expectations are diminished.  Unlike when you are a private individual, you can invoke your right to self-incrimination,” Labella told reporters, in a press conference.

Earlier, before the election period started, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) agreed into naming the incumbent barangay officials that are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are not keen on the idea, since half of the 536 incumbent officials listed as narco-politicians are still subject to validation.

“I think it’s a matter of time that the people should know if you want to become a public official, you can no longer say that ‘it violates my right to privacy’ knowing that you are involved in illegal drugs because that is the thrust of the President,” Labella said.

Labella and political ally Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera were at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 headquarters to turn over the P300,000 reward money to the three witnesses that helped in the arrest of the assailants and mastermind of the ambush-slay of former Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta.

On the other hand, Labella said that although the upcoming election is a non-partisan and they are not supposed to endorse any candidate, he advised the public to vote the ones that have made clear support to the programs of the administration, especially on the war against illegal drugs, corruption and illegal-gambling.

Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Edgar Alan Okubo said that they are eyeing to recommend two barangays of Tuburan, Cebu as part of the Election Watch list Areas (EWA) before the Comelec for the upcoming elections, based on the previous incidents during election period.

“Nag-qualify sila dahil sa previous Election Related Violent Incidents (ERVI) iyong mga patayan o ambush na nangyari . So we will validate it well if it has tendency to happen again so it can be an EWA,” said Okubo.

They, however, cannot divulge the name of the barangays yet since validation is still ongoing.

He has directed his station commanders to strengthen the monitoring and assessment in their respective Area of Responsibility (AOR).

“Kung may mga violent incidents doon na nangyari for us to recommend if papasok  ito sa ating election watchlist areas, pagtuonan ng joint ng PNP at Comelec, task Force Cebu at Philippine Army,” Okubo added.

He also did not deny that they have monitored the presence of goons in the province which prompted them to intensify their security preparations that include checkpoints and police visibility.

CPPO only recorded one arrested suspect for the violation of gun ban in Barili, Cebu last Saturday.

“Generally peaceful as of this time while the candidates are still filing COCs,” said Okubo. (FREEMAN)