A VILLAGE chief from Molo district, Iloilo City who has been listed on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) denied any involvement in the illegal drugs trade.
Gemma Calzado, chairperson of Barangay Kasing-kasing, told a local radio station in an interview over Facebook Live that she had no idea where the allegation came from.
“It was totally unfair on my side. I don’t have any idea from where they based their information and tag me as a drug protector,” Calzado said.
No charges have been filed against Calzado as of Wednesday, May 2.
Wardley Getalla, PDEA regional director for Western Visayas, said they were still validating the names on their own watchlist.
Getalla urged voters not to select candidates who are known to be involved in illegal drugs.
“Mas maganda na doon na tayo bomoto sa walang kinalaman o walang involvement sa illegal na droga,” Getalla said.
The PDEA watchlist contains the names of 207 village officials, including 90 village chiefs, who have allegedly links to the illegal drugs trade either as users, traders or protectors. (Carolyn Jane Abello/SunStar Philippines)