By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region VI (PDEA-6) Director Wardley Getalla recently confirmed several Negros Occidental barangay captains and kagawads are under observation due to suspected links to illegal drugs.

He said three barangay captains and 21 barangay kagawads from across the province are under observation; alongside two barangay kagawads from Bacolod City, with one suspected to be a drug protector and the other a user.

Getalla pointed out, if allegations are proven true, they will be immediately added to their target list and administrative charges will be filed against them.

The PDEA official urged the public to refrain from supporting such officials.

Earlier this week, PDEA Director-General Aaron Aquino released the names of 207 barangay officials nationwide who are allegedly linked to illegal drugs.

One barangay official from Region 6 was included on the list.

The list, however, was met with criticism from the Liga ng mga Barangay, who called the release an “unconstitutional act.”

The list was also slammed by Senator Panfilo Lacson stating, “Only sufficient evidence that merits the filing of a criminal case can validate an intelligence report.”/DGB, WDJ