Leyte mayor’s alleged drug trade involvement probed

TACLOBAN CITY, March 13  -- The mayor of Bato, Leyte has not been spared from investigation even after he surrendered and tested negative in a drug test, the Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) said here Tuesday. 

Although Mayor Bryan Nile Gertos was not in the list of narco-politicians released by President Rodrigo Duterte, the official remains in the list of high-value target by the local police.

PRO-8 Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz said the PNP would still gather information on Gertos’ alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade.

“Anything that could help in the investigation, like the drug test and statement of independent witnesses telling that he is clean, is what we need,” Cruz said.

Last Feb. 15, the mayor and his brother, Lhowell voluntarily surrendered to the regional police office. The two underwent drug tests and both turned out to be negative of drug use.

The PNP also conducted a surprise drug test for local government employees, policemen assigned in the area, and village officials.

All the policemen tested negative. The PNP is still waiting for the test results of almost 300 employees and village officials.

Cruz urged local government officials linked to illegal drugs to undergo a drug test and visit their police station to clear their names. (RTA/PNA)