PNP says new list of 54 narco-celebrities includes TV-show host

The Philippine National Police has a list of 54 celebrities, among them the host of a "top-rating" television show, who are involved in illegal drugs, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said during Tuesday's Manila Overseas Press Corps Forum.

"Yung listahan na naisubmit [kay President Rodrigo Duterte] is 54. Ang basis nito yung mga celebrities na nahuli natin, yung mga celebrity suppliers na sila yung pinagbebenthan nila. Sila yung mga customer. Nakuha natin yung mga panagalan doon at umabot sa 54," Dela Rosa explained

The PNP had arrested radio disc jockey Karen Bordador, actresses Sabrina M and Krista Miller, and two men's magazine models for possession of illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa added that the list of 54 celebrities was separate form the list of 30 narco-celebrities submitted earlier.   

Being kept confidential

Meanwhile, NCRPO regional director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said that the list of 54 narco-celebrities contained TV and radio personalities, even disc jockeys, but no broadcast journalist.

Albayalde added that releasing the list to the public would depend on the president since the document was a confidential watchlist. "It's being kept confidential. Up to President Duterte kung ilalabas or not. Pero ang sa amin is this list came about from different informatiom gathering," he explained.

The NCRPO chief called the celebrity list was a "normal" watchlist, similar to the list of suspected drug users and pushers. Both needed constant validation.

Albayalde noted however that the list could only be used for building a case and was not evidence against the celebrities.

"It's just a document for our use, for our consumption," Albayalde said. — DVM, GMA News