Several barangay officials in Bohol have remained involved in illegal drug activities almost six months into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The village leaders have been included in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s watch list for alleged involvement in the drug trade, said Ma. Chona Egam, PDEA-Bohol intelligence officer.

However, Egam did not disclose the identities and the number of officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug business.

She said that these individuals are currently still being tightly monitored by PDEA agents.

The PDEA officer noted that gathered information on the suspects are also being validated through reports from key persons in communities.

For his part, PDEA Central Visayas director Yogi Ruiz said that at least 30 barangay officials in the region are listed in the agency’s watch list of drug pushers.

In Bohol, Ilaud, Inabanga village councilor Reje Cabaral was caught in possession of shabu estimated to be worth P120,000 in a raid on Monday.

Cabaral, a high-value target of the Bohol police, had previously surrendered under Oplan Tokhang but allegedly continued to peddle drugs.

He is one of several barangay officials in Bohol who surrendered and admitted to involvement in illegal drug activities.

In the government’s war on drugs, barangay authorities are key components in declaring a village drug-free while groups such as the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council have been tasked to aid the PDEA and police. (Rey Tutas)