Albayalde: Crime incidence in Naga backs Duterte's 'shabu hotbed' claim

MANILA, Philippines — Director General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday morning said that while drugs can be found in Naga City, it cannot be considered as the primary "hotbed" of illegal drugs.

The police chief, however, in a later conference insisted that the high incidence of crimes in Naga City proves that the area is a “hotbed of shabu.”

In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, Albayalde explained that when an area is considered a "hotbed" of drugs, it connotes that it is the “source.” 

“But hindi siya (Naga) 'yung pinaka-hot[bed], pero meron talaga,” the PNP chief said.

Last week, the president claimed that Naga City—bailiwick of Vice President Leni Robredo—is a “hotbed of shabu.” This was contested by the vice president and the Naga City Council.

But in a news conference at the police headquarters in the afternoon, Albayalde said that the crime incidence in Naga City—such as robbery and crime against properties—indicate the existence of drug users.

The police chief also pointed out that Naga is the fifth city outside Metro Manila with the highest incidence of crimes. In a report by ABS-CBN last May, the PNP said that Naga City has the fifth highest number of robbery and theft.

“Alam naman natin na those that are perpetrating these crimes against properties are really those tagged in drug trade,” Albayalde said.

Asked on data focused on drugs in Naga City, Albayalde said: “We’ll have that.”

“Pinahimay-himay na namin yan based on recoveries of drugs per cities,” he added.

The police chief added that the president has a “choice” if he considers Naga City as a hotbed.

Robredo, Naga City Council refute shabu hotbed tag

Lawyer Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson, said that the target of Duterte’s tirades against Naga is the vice president.

“If she is the target, she is ready, but [Naga] should not be dragged into this because many people have put their stake here, many people have benefitted from the efficient administration of the city,” Gutierrez said on Tuesday.

READ: Robredo camp: Spare Naga City from allegations

Naga City officials issued a resolution dated August 17 expressing indignation over Duterte’s claim. They said that Naga has continually implemented an anti-drug abuse campaign.

They also pointed out that Naga City has bagged the distinction of being one of the most competitive cities in the country in the last four years.

The Naga City officials said that the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for Southern Luzon also disputed Duterte’s claim.

Christian Frivaldo, head of PDEA of Southern Luzon, told GMA News’ 24 Oras: “Kung iko-compare ko naman sa Maynila, eh ‘di mas malala naman ang Maynila.” He added that the every highly urbanized city has a challenge of curbing illegal drugs.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended Duterte’s claim and said that Naga City officials should prove the president wrong.

But Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay) chided Roque for his remark saying that he has “desecrates the cardinal rule that ‘he who alleges must prove his allegation.’” Roque’s statement also ran counter to the legal dictum that “he who asserts, not he who denies, must prove,” said Lagman. — Kristine Joy Patag