Narco-politicians’ list coming soon – PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that the list of politicians involved in the illegal drugs trade will be released soon and ahead of the May 2019 midterm elections.

“That list is still ongoing, of course the validation [is still being processed], and our authorities would release that very soon,” Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said in an ABS-CBN News Channel interview.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has been pushing for the release of the so-called narco list as a guide for voters in the upcoming elections.

President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to give the go signal for the release of the list.

Banac acknowledged that concerned government agencies must be responsible in validating the list before it is publicized.

“We have to base our statements on evidence, hard facts,” Banac said, adding that the PNP is also investigating whether or not politicians are using the illegal drugs trade as a source of funds for their campaign expenses.

“There has to be evidence. There has to be a violation of the law and that’s the only time when we can file the case against them. That’s the only time we can reveal the facts of the case, the people involved,” he said.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said the list currently has the names of 83 politicians. / gsg

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