CPPO to check winners are not in narco-list

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) is now double-checking the names on its narco-list to determine if there are winners in the recent elections who may have been included in the file.

CPPO Director Manuel Abrugena told The FREEMAN in a text message that they are collecting data to cross match with the existing list of drug personalities in the provincial level.

“Kasalukuyang nangongolekta kami ng mga datos kung sino-sino mga nanalo at ating titingnan kung sila ba ay nasa listahan,” Abrugena said.

He added that if an election winner is included on the list, the CPPO will actively monitor the local official to verify and collect evidence if he is still involved in the illegal drug trade and file appropriate charges.

“Kung sakali nasa listahan nga, then we have to monitor them if they still continue engaging themselves in illegal activities and kailangan nating maghanap ng sapat ebidensya para makapag-file ng kaso,” Abrugena said.

Earlier, it was reported that some candidates during the midterm election were allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

For example, San Fernando mayoral bet Ruben Feliciano, who lost Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya, has accused the latter of receiving drug money.

Abrugena said that they will continue to be relentless in their campaign against illegal drugs.

This even after the relief of 18 Provincial Intelligence Branch personnel who were involved in what was considered a misencounter that killed Police Corporal Feliciano Yballe.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Debold Sinas had said that Yballe was killed inside his residence in Barangay Sudlon Uno when PIB operatives reportedly fired a warning shot after Yballe reacted violently upon knowing of the presence of armed personnel.

Abrugena said that the drug enforcement units of the station level are coping with incident. (FREEMAN)