The Philippine National Police (PNP) has at least 30 names of celebrities and television personalities on its list of persons involved in the illegal drug trade, PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed.
“The list the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) gave to me has around 30 names of celebrities,” Dela Rosa said in a press conference at Camp Crame.
READ: Celebrities next on ‘Tokhang’ list — Dela Rosa
Dela Rosa said he has submitted the list to President Rodrigo Duterte. He said the President will include the names on the latter’s own “celebrity watchlist.”
“Pinasa ko na sa Malacananang at idagdag na iyon sa listahan ni Presidente. Meron siyang mga “celebrity watchlist.” So ‘yung galing sa akin idagdag niya na iyon. Kung sino sino ‘yung mga kinanta nu’ng celebrity supplier nila ng drugs,” he said.
“Hintayin na lang natin kung i-aannounce ni Presidente ‘yung mga pangalan or kung ayaw niya i-announce, we still initiate our moves,” Dela Rosa added.
The figure, however, was contrary to the previous claim of former Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption chair and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Martin Diño, who said that there are about 50 celebrities on the President’s drug list.
Of the 50, 10 are suspected drug pushers while others were known users of party drugs.
The police chief earlier vowed that no special treatment would be given to celebrities and TV personalities in the government’s crackdown on drugs.
READ: PNP to use ‘modified Tokhang’ for celebrities on drugs – Bato
He said the police will soon conduct “Oplan Tokhang” on celebrities involved in drugs, visit them in their houses and in some TV stations to ask them to change their ways.
READ: Celebrity drug list: Pasok ba ang idol mo?
Dela Rosa said the police are willing to invite the media to join them during their Tokhang operation on celebrities.
Some celebrities who have been accosted recently by the authorities for drug use or possession include actor Marc Anthony Fernandez and former sexy stars Sabrina M. and Krista Miller. IDL/rga