ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has called for the strict monitoring and subsequent prosecution of barangay officials found involved in illegal drug activities.
This directive, emphasizing law enforcement and accountability, comes amid a broader campaign to cleanse local government units of any drug-related corruption.
Defensor’s call to action was directed towards the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), led by Police Colonel Rolando Palomo, to intensify their investigations into the potential involvement of barangay officials in the drug trade.
It is part of a longstanding order, now reemphasized, to root out the sources of illegal drugs in the province, particularly focusing on the local government level.
Defensor stressed the importance of thorough investigations, leading to the prosecution of any barangay officials found complicit in drug-related offenses.
“We should prosecute whatever is necessary,” Defensor said, underscoring his commitment to legal and judicial action against those tarnishing the integrity of local governance.
He also pushed for mandatory drug testing of newly-elected barangay officials, promoting transparency and integrity in public service.
But he argued that this measure should extend beyond barangay officials to include elected representatives at all municipal and provincial levels, both before and after elections.
The urgency of Defensor’s directive is underscored by recent data from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), which revealed the involvement of several barangay officials in illegal drug activities.
The data indicated that four village chiefs and 11 barangay councilmen from various towns in the province were implicated.
Region-wide, 76 barangay officials have been identified by PRO-6 as being involved in illegal drugs, either arrested in anti-drug operations or having surrendered voluntarily./PN
