Also on narco list: 13 judges, 10 prosecutors

MANILA, Philippines —   Thirteen judges and 10 prosecutors are included in President Duterte’s list of personalities allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, but the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has no plan to release their names.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said that the judges and prosecutors on the list are not yet a priority as they are focusing their validation efforts on the case build-up against the 46 politicians named by President Duterte.

Aquino said the list of judges, prosecutors and other drug personalities would still be validated.

He admitted that he has had some frustrations in dealing with the judiciary, especially when there are drug cases dismissed and suspects acquitted.

The PDEA chief cited one instance wherein the agency was even accused of planting evidence that led to the acquittal of the daughter of a convicted drug trafficker in Manila.

He said the PDEA is frustrated that their efforts are wasted with the dismissal of cases they have filed.

Aquino said that if he was directed by Duterte to release the names, he would do so, but the validation of the accusations would take time.

Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said the involvement of judges and prosecutors is not new and the PNP is getting information on them as it is doing with drug personalities in other sectors.

Banac said the PNP and the interagency committee on illegal drugs are continuing the gathering of information against erring judges, celebrities and other personalities.