Sonny: 4 more Toledo barangay chiefs into drugs

CEBU, Philippines - While Toledo City Mayor John Henry "Sonny" Osmeña said he is happy with the arrest of Sangi Barangay Captain Eduardo "Edwin" Bacalso, he said police have yet to go after four more barangay captains allegedly involved in drugs.

"Nalipay ko nga nadakpan si Bacalso, apan aduna pa'y upat ka mga kapitan dinhi sa akong dakbayan ang nalambigit sa illegal nga drugas ug dugay na kini nakong gipahibalo sa kapulisan," he said.

He also said the arrest of Bacalso should have happened sooner because he already gave the police orders to arrest those in public service who are involved in illegal drugs.

"Wala ko masayod kung nganong wala makadakop ang mga polis sa mga opisyal nga nalambigit sa illegal nga drugas nga dugay naman ko nihatag  og  marching order nga sikopon ang tanan nalambigit sa illegal nga drugas ug wala ko'y mahimo niini tungod kay ang kapulisan ubos man sa Philippine National Police," he said.

Toledo City Police Station chief Superintendent Samuel Mina was not available for comment yesterday.

Osmeña also said Bacalso did not run under his slate during the last election, he added he is waiting for the decision of the Department of Interior and Local Government regarding the vacated position in Barangay Sangi.

Operatives seized 110 grams of shabu worth P396,000 and a loaded .38 cal. revolver from Bacalso during a buy-bust operation the other day.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz said they received information about Bacalso's alleged involvement in illegal drugs two years ago.

Bacalso has reportedly been lying low recently but went back to selling drugs.

Bacalso denied being involved in illegal drugs and owning the drugs confiscated, although he admitted he carried around the gun seized for his own protection.

He also said he suspects politics behind his arrest.

"Kanang issue nga mamaligya politiko na," he said while being presented to the media.

Authorities classified him a Level 2 drug pusher who can sell 500 grams to a kilo of shabu a week. (FREEMAN)