Cops support shaming of narco bets

CEBU, Philippines — Police admitted that no criminal charges will be filed automatically against political candidates who are on the narcolist of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena said a case build-up will be conducted before charges can be filed in court. He said the list, which is set to be released this week, only serves as guide for the law enforcers who are the people to monitor.

At the same time, the list will also help the voters to make an informed choice in the May elections.

“It does not automatically translate na may kaso na agad since we have to conduct surveillance and validation,” he said.

Abrugena said the police have not stop monitoring the personalities previous identified by the president. These include Daanbanatayan Mayor Vicente Loot and businessman Peter Lim.

“Anyone with alleged reports of involvement in illegal drugs ay hindi natin tinitigilan ang monitoring,” he said.

National Police Commission-7 Director Homer Mariano Cabaral also warned that incumbent mayors who will be included in the narcolist will be stripped of his supervision and control over the police.

The idea to release the names of political candidates involved in illegal drugs came from Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino.

The proposal was also supported by Malacañang despite the strong opposition from the Commission on Human Rights. Even some of the senators are backing up the idea.

Senator Cynthia Villar said the voters have the right to know the candidates they are voting for. She, however, warned the government to exercise caution by ensuring that list is validated.

"Dapat naman talaga na yung mga kandidato na kasama sa droga ay hindi  dapat  botohan yan kasi nga we are fight(ing) against illegal drugs. The public has the right to know kaya lang dapat very careful pag-release sa list," said Villar, who was in Cebu yesterday.

Former Cebu City mayor and vice mayoralty candidate Michael Rama is opposed to the idea.

Rama, who was named drug protector by Duterte, said the police should file charges instead of shaming them. (FREEMAN)