During a forum recently hosted by the Philippine Information Agency featuring Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Edwin Portento, Dumaguete City barangay captains expressed their concerns over safety regarding the ongoing war on illegal drugs.

With barangay captains utilized in the “Oplan: Tokhang” process, wherein they compile lists of constituents who are believed to be involved with illegal drugs, they appealed for law enforcement to provide anonymity with the submitted lists, noting one such official being shot in the past, allegedly connected to anti-illegal drug war.

They added, it is especially dangerous since barangay captains are not armed.

Portento assured anonymity for barangay captains who submit watchlists; noting, some officials have yet to submit lists, which he says affects police operations.

Last week, a drug bust conducted by NOrPPO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Dumaguete City’s Barangay Mangnao yielded P11 million worth of shabu./PLL, WDJ