‘Validated reports’Aquino said the PDEA would issue another list naming 93 higher-ranking local government officials allegedly involved in illegal drug activities once President Duterte approved its release. Senators Gregorio Honasan and Panfilo Lacson, who have extensive background in security and law and order, questioned the release of the narcolist before criminal complaints could be brought against the barangay officials. ‘Hit list’Rights group Karapatan called the PDEA narcolist a “hit list.”“While we deplore the possible involvement of local governments in the proliferation of the illegal drug trade, we consider the … recent narcolist as a hit list,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement. But Aquino dismissed claims that the PDEA list was a government hit list. This will not serve as a hit list,” Aquino said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 01, 2018 21:11 UTC