PNP chief favors naming of celebrities in drug list

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde favors the release of the names of celebrities allegedly linked to illegal drugs and included in a watchlist.

In a chance interview, Albayalde said it would only be fair if these celebrities supposedly involved in the illegal drug trade would be identified, similar to what was done to alleged narco politicians. 

He stressed that the decision to release the names lies with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the President.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino earlier revealed that there are 31 celebrities, including 11 actresses, in their watchlist. 

Aquino said he is not in favor of releasing the names of the celebrities, adding they are still validating the information.

Albayalde also said they still have to gather more evidence against these celebrities for the filing of cases or conducting an operation against them. 

He said the PNP has submitted its own list to the PDEA, which is the repository of data on the drug war.  

Albayalde noted that during his stint as National Capital Region Police Office director, there were around 50 celebrities on their watchlist.

The PDEA chief earlier urged television networks and artist agencies to conduct mandatory drug testing on their stars and talents, similar to internal cleansing efforts of law enforcement agencies. 

Malacañang advised celebrities who are into drugs to stop their illegal activities before they are caught.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the PDEA should disclose to the public the celebrities in the watchlist.

“I’m in favor of releasing the list, but it should be validated. Take note that the term ‘celebrities’ refers to not only showbiz people but also basketball players and other public figures,” Sotto said.

Sen. Sonny Angara supported the PDEA’s call, saying TV networks should help in the anti-drug campaign by conducting such tests.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said he believes that Filipinos are aware of the drug problem and are willing to do what they can to contribute and stop the occurrence and prevalence of drug abuse. 

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte has to consider the pros and cons of releasing to the public the list of celebrities involved in drugs. 

“The message is, of course, you should not be involved. The message is you should not, you have to rehabilitate yourselves. You cannot be doing that, because you are destroying your own selves,” he said.

Panelo gave the warning as the PDEA revealed some details about the number of celebrities engaged in illegal drug activities. But PDEA has not released the list to the public.

“Definitely, because if they will not be warned themselves about their involvement, certainly, it will be destructive of their own health, destructive of their own family and certainly, they will be losing their adoring fans,” he said.

Amid calls to release the names of showbiz personalities, Panelo explained why the President ordered the release of the narco politicians list unlike that of narco celebrities.

The President is invoking national security and public safety in exposing narco politicians, Panelo said, adding the Chief Executive has yet to weigh the impact of making public the names of celebrities engaged in drug activities.

Inquiry

Sen. Leila de Lima has sought a Senate inquiry into the alleged involvement of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang in the illegal drug trade in the country.

De Lima, who is detained on drug charges, filed Senate Resolution 1033 and said the Senate should look into whether Yang’s special position as economic adviser may have been abused for personal benefit and may impact national security and welfare.

“A comprehensive probe into Mr. Yang’s alleged link to the illegal drug trade is imperative, as accountability must be sought given his official, high-level capacity as a former presidential economic adviser,” the senator said.

Malacañang won’t lift a finger if Congress conducts a probe on Yang.

Panelo sees nothing wrong with a congressional, inquiry despite President Duterte’s move to question the credibility of a dismissed cop who accused the Davao-based trader of drug links.

Panelo maintained that the PDEA and the PNP have cleared Yang of any drug links. However, the official said Congress can proceed with any probe if the lawmakers find it necessary.

It was the second resolution filed by De Lima on Yang. Last October, De Lima filed Senate Resolution 922 calling for an inquiry into Yang’s appointment to determine the extent of his “official engagement” under the Duterte administration.

The second resolution hinted at possible deportation of Yang as an undesirable alien, if his involvement in the illegal drug trade or other illicit activities is proven.

This is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal charges against him, she said.

Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) senatorial candidate Juan Ponce Enrile has called on police and military authorities to improve intelligence gathering amid the entry of more illegal drugs in the country during his campaign in Cavite on Wednesday.

If re-elected, Enrile vowed to push for a higher budget for the police and military establishments so that they could purchase more border patrols boats and modern intelligence gathering equipment.

“We need more equipment, patrol boats, helicopters and stronger intelligence to arrest big-time drug lords. In this so-called war on drugs, we must be willing to put the money where our mouth is to enforce the law,” Enrile said.  – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Paolo Romero, Christina Mendez