PDEA awaits PRRD’s nod on release of ‘narco’ village execs list

“If I have my way and the President will order it, I will reveal the names of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement, clarifying reports on the release of the names of 289 village officials suspected of drug connections in Eastern Visayas. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday clarified that it will wait for instructions from President Rodrigo R. Duterte on whether to release the names of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs.

“If I have my way and the President will order it, I will reveal the names of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement, clarifying reports on the release of the names of 289 village officials suspected of drug connections in Eastern Visayas.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had earlier cautioned the public against voting for candidates in the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections who have links to illegal drugs in their area.

At the same time it said barangays which would fail to put up Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) would face possible administrative charges.

Out of the 42,000 barangays across the country, 12,000 do not have a functioning BADAC, based on data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.