By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez expressed support for the release of the list containing the names of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
According to Benitez, it has been very difficult to end illegal drugs in the country because of protections provided by some politicians.
The outgoing congressman said, if the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) or Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have sufficient evidence, he has no problem with them revealing the names of supposed ‘narco-politicians.’
He added, government agencies handling such cases should have strict protocols in gathering evidences.
“They just have to make sure that they have strong evidence in filing a case,” he added.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte gave the go-ahead to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año to release the names of politicians reportedly involved in illegal drug activities.
The PDEA in the Western Visayas confirmed there are currently 13 politicians on their list, although they noted those listed are not necessarily participating in trafficking illegal drugs, but may be operating as protectors of the drug trade.
The DILG is scheduled to release the list this coming week./DGB, WDJ