5 Southern Tagalog mayors stripped of police control over drug links

The National Police Commission has stripped five mayors from Southern Tagalog of their supervision and control over members of the Philippine National Police in their respective jurisdictions for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Department of the Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy, the chairman of the NAPOLCOM, in an order dated October 30 withdrew the deputation of Lemery, Batangas Mayor Eulalio Alilio; Teresa, Rizal Mayor Raul Palino; Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili; Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Cecilio Hernandez; and San Pablo Mayor Loreto Amante.

"After continuous validation by the intelligence agencies concerned, the following local chief executives from Region 4A (Calabarzon) have been identified as engaged in illegal drug trade/activity," the order said.

“The exercise of the duties, obligations, powers, and prerogatives vested unto the foregoing local chief executives as Napolcom deputy under Section 51 (b) of RA 6975 as amended are hereby suspended accordingly,” it added.

“Based on the  consistent pronouncements made by our Chief Executive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs, the involvement of a local chief executive in illegal drug activity constitutes an act inimical to national security,” the order said.

The order said the alleged involvement in illegal drugs of the local officials negated the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign and thus serves as a valid ground for suspension or withdrawal of deputation of NAPOLCOM representatives. —NB, GMA News