Former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño formally assumed his post as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary for barangay affairs after President Rodrigo Duterte signed his appointment papers earlier this week.

In an interview last night with Watchmen Daily Journal, Diño said his first order of business after assuming the post is to issue a directive to barangay officials across the country, requesting them to forward lists of known individuals involved with illegal drugs.

He added, consultations are already underway on possible sanctions for barangay officials who do not comply.

Last month, Diño noted to local media, barangay officials who are “neglectful, or acting cowardly in their duties,” could face dismissal./DGB, WDJ