Barbers: Watch out for narco-politicians
LAW enforcement agencies have been urged to be more vigilant on the proliferation of illegal drugs during the election campaign period.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers made the appeal to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation, and other government anti-drug agencies.
According to Barbers, various government anti-drug agencies should not let their guards down as drug lords, “narco-politicians” and their henchmen are expected to intensify their operations to beef up their campaign funds for the May 2022 presidential elections.
Barbers, chairman of the House Dangerous Drugs Committee, said he has received some information that some drug lords, “buying” influence from bets in the forthcoming polls, are actively pushing their merchandise in the drug market, to provide funds for their patrons.
“I am urging officials not to let their guards down in their campaign during the election period,” he said.
“It is a fact that drug lords befriend and buy influence from some politicians and other government officials – from the national to the local level – who they expect in return to coddle and protect them in the future in exchange for drug money in their campaign kitties,” he added.
The solon from Surigao del Norte said drug lords always take advantage of election campaign periods as almost all law enforcement agencies, including the military, are busy and focused in peace and order campaigns in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“Di dapat mag-relax ang mga opisyal ng ating mga anti-drug agencies sa kanilang kampanya laban sa illegal na droga habang panahon ng kampanya sa eleksyon dahil busy din ang mga sindikato ng droga na nagtulak para mai-finance nila ang kanilang mga kandidato para sa darating na halalan sa Mayo,” Barbers said.
