DILG: 50 more local execs under probe for drug ties

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno describes the problem of drugs in the country as “enormous” during a press briefing in Malacañan on August 22. KING RODRIGUEZ/PPD

AT LEAST 50 more local elected officials are under investigation for their suspected links with illegal drug syndicates, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said on Monday.

In a press briefing, Sueno said the public officials were not among those who were earlier mentioned by President Duterte in his “name-and-shame” campaign last month.

He told reporters that the information against the 50 officials was being “validated.”

He said “hundreds” of village officials were also under investigation.

“This (shows) that the problem on drugs is enormous. It has expanded not only in one province, but all throughout the country,” he said.

“We can understand the passion of the President in really eliminating drugs because it proliferated mainly because of the protection given by our local executives and our police,” he added.

Sueno said all mayors, vice mayors and other public officials who were previously identified by Mr. Duterte had reported to his department to deny the accusations.

“So we are now in the process of investigating all these mayors,” he said.

Sueno said investigation also found prima facie evidence against Philippine National Police Director Joel Pagdilao and Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio. Marlon Ramos