Barangay chairman, family nabbed for drugs

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman, his wife and two children were arrested in Pasay City Sunday for possession of illegal drugs.

Barangay 43 Zone 6 chairman Alejandro Morales, wife Pilita, and children Jamie and Morlita were apprehended in two houses on Muñoz street, based on search warrants issued by a Manila court.

“They are running the illegal drug trade in the area as their family business,” said lawyer Eric Isidoro, head of NBI’s reaction, arrest, and interdiction division.

About 60 NBI agents in full battle gear were involved in the arrests. Isidoro said law enforcers have a hard time raiding the area because the whole barangay is covered by 32 surveillance cameras equipped with sensors. 

These cameras, purchased using government money, are all being monitored in Morales’ seven-story house, Isidoro said.

He said Morales was seen on video chasing and scolding a police officer for arresting a suspected drug pusher, who was able to escape.