PDEA 7 monitors 2025 poll bets for possible drug links

Local

AS the election season begins, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) announced its plans to investigate aspiring candidates for possible connections to illegal drug activities.

PDEA 7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara expressed concerns during the Cebu City Police Office’s program at the Sugboanon Channel on Thursday, October 10, that illegal drug syndicates might forge alliances with and support politicians to facilitate their operations.

“Kay usa man gud na sa mga gina-exploit gyud sa mga drug syndicates, kana bang mo-tie up sila sa politiko nga ilang suportahan,” she said.

While the agency remains vigilant, Alcantara noted that PDEA 7 has not yet received reports of candidates accepting election funds from drug syndicates.

Alcantara explained that drug syndicates can influence politicians either as direct funders or as third-party sponsors.

She highlighted two scenarios: either the politician knows about the funding from a syndicate and accepts it willingly, or the politician remains unaware, with funds funneled through intermediaries. Alcantara emphasized the importance of monitoring this issue.

She classified candidates involved in illegal drugs as high-value targets (HVT) due to their potential role in perpetuating the drug trade.

The Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group has also announced investigations into several local chief executives for suspected ties to illegal drug syndicates.

In addition, Alcantara commended the city government for its ongoing efforts to combat illegal drugs, particularly its commitment to the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

She added that 33 out of 80 barangays have achieved “drug cleared” status, demonstrating the city’s dedication to reducing illegal drug activities.

Alcantara expressed enthusiasm for the city’s progress, stating that it has proven the feasibility of eradicating drug-related issues even in urbanized areas.

The 33 barangays in Cebu City that received drug cleared declarations include San Jose, Cambinocot, Kasambagan, Zapatera, Budlaan, Kamagayan, Agsungot, Binaliw, Tabunan, Punta Princesa, Kalubihan, Adlaon, and Basak Pardo, along with Buot Taup, Kinasang-an, Lusaran, San Antonio, Pamutan, Parian, Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Toong, Sto. Niño, Sapangdaku, Sinsin, Bacayan, Guba, Malubog, Pit-os, Paril, Mabini, Lusaran, and Taptap.(MyTVCebu)