76 Western Visayas barangay execs under watch for drugs

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Western Visayas police is monitoring 76 barangay officials in the region for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Of the figure, 20 are barangay captains and the rest are councilmen or kagawads who were previously arrested, have surrendered or been delisted and placed under monitoring.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda earlier said there were 430 barangay officials on the PNP drug list.

Acorda said that Western Visayas has the highest number of barangay officials suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Acting Western Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor said they are preparing a case buildup against these barangay officials.