PDEA-7 warns of drug money in brgy, SK polls

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 has reminded those who are running in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October to check the financial support they receive as some of the funds might be from illegal drugs.

PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara said that they are closely coordinating with their counterparts as part of their preparation for the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections.

However, as of now, the PDEA does not have any information of any illegal drug personalities running for office because the campaign period has not yet officially started, although they are closely monitoring those on their list.

This is why the PDEA-7 asked candidates to be careful with whom they accept support, as sources of campaign funds they receive might come from illegal drugs.

“Pag first wala gyud mo kahibawo but kaning mga drug personalities nato, atong mga kontra naa ni sila’y ilahang mga tools pud in their strategies unsaon mo pagpiit niya mao na maapil nalang hinoon mo,” said Alcantara.

PDEA-7 is also validating information it receives that some incumbent elected officials are said to be involved in illegal drugs.

The agency is also conducting financial investigation, which means that it is also monitoring the connections as well as the financial activities of drug personalities.

The PDEA and the Anti-Money Laundering Council are working together to monitor suspicious accounts that have large transactions.

“With that maka-connect ta or maka identify ta aning mga personalities nga dili kaayo nato dali ma detect kay wala man sila naggunit sa shabu but they are still involved in the illegal drug transactions because they are holding the money so isa na atong gipanghingusgan karon the financial investigation,” added Alcantara.

She said the Inter-Agency Task Force will be a big help since aside from the PDEA, other law enforcement agencies such as the PNP, NBI and NICA will also engage in monitoring.

She ensures that the information they receive will be validated because it might be used to destroy people especially in the election. — (FREEMAN)