ILOILO — Calling it a serious breach of public trust with grave legal consequences, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday warned that barangay officials caught in illegal drugs face aggravated liability and harsher penalties, following the arrest of an incumbent barangay captain in a buy-bust operation in Janiuay town.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Defensor said of the arrest, describing the incident as “alarming” and stressing that public office does not shield anyone from prosecution.
“He will face charges. Kon may kaso sia he will stand trial,” the governor said.
The suspect was a 51-year-old incumbent Punong Barangay in Janiuay town who was arrested on Wednesday morning, January 7.
Authorities recovered from the suspect six sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 410 grams; one big heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing about 8.2 grams; buy-bust money; and other non-drug items.
Defensor emphasized that barangay officials are expected to know that involvement in illegal drugs constitutes an aggravated offense due to their position and carries stiffer penalties.
The governor added that illegal drugs cut across all sectors and positions, noting that accountability applies to everyone regardless of status.
The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) – Provincial Drug Enforcement Team Team 2, together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Janiuay Municipal Police Station.
He is currently under the custody of the Janiuay police station and will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death and fines from P500,000 to P10 million./PN
