Jailed barangay chief denies involvement in drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Detained Barangay Captain Marc Ferdinand Bas has denied allegations that he is involved in the illegal drug trade following reports that he is fourth on Talisay City's drug watchlist and is also named by President Rodrigo Duterte as among list of government officials involved in drugs.

It was reported that Provincial Public Safety Company Chief Mario Baquiran Jr. had confirmed that Bas, the barangay captain of Lagtang in Talisay City, was considered a level 2 drug trader.

Bas, in an interview at his detention cell, denied reports regarding his involvement in any illegal drug activities, saying that he was not aware that his name was included on the watchlist.

During the raid conducted at Bas' house a few days ago, there were no illegal drugs recovered. Instead, he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms after police found a firearm, bullets and a hand grenade at his house.

When asked if the recovered handgun and grenade were his, Bas preferred to answer “no comment.”

It was reported on Sunday that the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Provincial Intelligence Branch personnel served a search warrant on his residence at Kishanta Subdivision in Barangay Lagtang.

The operation was in coordination with the Regional Special Operations Group-7, CPPO- Provincial Public Safety Company, and Talisay City Police Special Weapons and Tactics team.

Instead of drugs, police were able to seize one unlicensed .22 revolver with five bullets, 42 bullets and 12 bullet shells of a .45 caliber pistol, an extended long bullet magazine, and two bullet short magazines of a .45 pistol, 42 bullet shells of a .22 caliber pistol, and a hand grenade.

Bas' father, Talisay City Councilor Arturo Bas denied reports that his son owns any firearms or a hand grenade but also disclosed that his son was a drug user during teenage days.

“Kaniadto panahona user na siya, mao na ang iyang pag-eskwela wala matarung kaniadtong batan-on pa,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Celerino Magto Jr. of the city’s Department of Interior and Local Government office said that Bas’ post is temporarily vacant until today.

He added that on Thursday, if Bas would not be able to perform his duties, the first councilor of the barangay will automatically occupy the barangay captain post, as stated in the local government code.

Chester Salcedo, first councilor of Barangay Lagtang, will serve as officer-in-charge if Bas remains in jail. (FREEMAN)