Eight candidates backed by drug lords win: PDEA
Eight of the 12 candidates supported by drug lords in Iloilo City won in the barangay elections, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6.
Paul Ledesma, officer-in-charge of PDEA-6, said these barangay officials are believed to act as protectors of drug trade in their areas of responsibility.
“We foresee that they won’t tell us if a drug operation occurs in their area – that could be a form of protection,” he said.
Ledesma still refused to identify them but assured the public they will closely watch these officials once they assume office officially on November 30.
He said that despite their campaign against narco-politics, these candidates still won, indicating that their financiers spent big amount for their protectors to win.
“The barangay is their first line of defense. It is very crucial in a drug operation. That’s why, it is very important that they get the protection of these officials,” Ledesma said.*
