PDEA: More gov't execs involved in illegal drug trade

MANILA, Philippines - More government officials have been involved in illegal drug trade in 2014 compared to the previous year, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday.

 

Figures from PDEA's 2014 Annual Report showed that 190 public officials, composed of 56 elected officials, 49 law enforcers and 85 government employees were arrested for drug-related offenses.

 

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. said the figure translates to 37.68 percent higher than last year's data where 138 government officials were arrested for illegal drugs.

 

He noted that the 2014 figures are the highest recorded by PDEA since 2011. 

 

Out of the 56 arrested elected officials, one was a municipal councilor in Matanog, Maguindanao, while 55 others were either barangay chairs or barangay kagawads. 

 

Among the law enforcers, the highest ranking official arrested has the rank of police chief inspector.

 

Most of the arrested government officials and employees were in Ilocos Region with 25, followed by Eastern Visayas with 22. 

 

Zamboanga Peninsula has 10 cops nabbed for illegal drugs while Northern Mindanao has eight.

 

"It is alarming that more and more government officials and law enforcers are getting involved in illegal drug activities when they are supposed to implement the law, maintain peace and order in their area and promote the well-being of the people," Cacdac said.