19 Central Luzon officials on surveillance for drugs

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Philippine National Police in Central Luzon is validating information on alleged involvement of at least 19 mayors and vice mayors in drug trafficking.

This was revealed last week by Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino, Police Regional Office 3 director, in his speech before the Pampanga Peace and Order Council meeting facilitated by Gov. Lilia Pineda at the Kingsborough Convention Center.

Aquino hinted that two of them – one in Bulacan and the other in this province – were already identified in President Duterte’s list of alleged narco-politicians.

Aside from the politicians, Aquino said more than 100 police officers scattered over Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales are  under surveillance and investigation for possible involvement in or protection of the drug trade.

Meantime, the regional director reported “a great decline” in index crimes such as theft, by 48 percent; homicide, 60 percent; carnapping and motorcycle theft, 28 percent; and robbery, 35 percent due to police action and operations against illegal drugs.

“Petty crimes and illegal activities in the community areas are mostly committed by the drug surrenderers, and some have been responsible enough to admit these crimes,” Aquino said.