CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City police chief Supt. Resty Santos yesterday said he has not received any report that drug money will be used by some people who will seek positions in the October 28 barangay elections.
“So far, wala kita’y nadawat nga report about narco-politics sa atong syudad,†Santos said.
Santos, who was at the city council session hall as he received the plaque of commendation for the arrest of a robbery suspect and alleged gun-for-hire Joshua Tabera, said his office has been intensifying the campaign against ‘narco-politicians’, or ‘officials’ directly or indirectly involved in illegal drug activities in the city.
Santos is appealing to the public to relay to the police any information that would link any politician or candidate to illegal drugs activities.
He assured the security and confidentiality of informants.
Since the start of the gun ban, only one in the city has been caught violating the ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Santos said checkpoints are set up every night.
Under the law, the gun ban will be in effect from Sept. 28 to Nov. 12, or 30 days before and 15 days after the Oct. 28 elections.
A number of measures, such as the gun ban and the setting up of checkpoints nationwide, would be in effect with the start of the election period.
For the barangay polls, the Comelec has adopted the policies on gun ban and security escorts that were implemented in the May 13 elections.
The Comelec does not grant personal or individual gun ban exemptions, but those who wish to be excluded from the ban may apply for security details instead.
Law enforcers on duty and in uniform are excluded from the ban, while other members of law enforcement agencies would still have to apply for a permit to carry firearms.
Santos said he considers the 22 barangays as hot spots.
“We treat every barangay as hot spot. The 22 barangays kay init man gyud basta barangay election, hinungdan nga dili gyud ta relaxed niini,†Santos said. – (FREEMAN)