MANILA -- While it supports the move to unmask politicians on the 'narco-list', the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the decision on the matter is still up to President Rodrigo Duterte.
PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde said it is the right of the voters to know who among those running in the midterm elections are involved in illegal drugs trade.
"If these will all be validated, I think [it is the right of the voters to know who is in the 'narco-list']. That is why validation, deliberation, and adjudication of this information is important because the public deserves to know; they deserve the truth," he told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.
Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said at least 83 politicians including mayors vice mayors, governors, vice governors, and congressmen are included in the narco-list according to
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino previously said that he would prefer to file charges against politicians in the "narco-list" than publicizing it.
Aquino, however, said he will comply once Duterte orders him to reveal the names on the list.
Last year, PDEA publicized a narco-list of more than 200 barangay (village) officials weeks before the village elections. (PNA)
