Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he is directing Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, Negros Occidental police director, to investigate allegations of some clergymen that there is a proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal gambling in Murcia town, and to make arrests.

It seems the biggest problem of the province now is the proliferation of drugs, which have triggered numerous crimes, he said.

“It seems we are losing the fight against illegal drugs, its proliferation is all over,” he said.

There are reports of the presence of drugs even in previously drug- free areas, he added.

On allegations being made that some officials are drug dependent, Marañon dared all public officials to undergo drug tests together with him.

Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano said he met with some Murcia clergymen, including Fr. Greg Patiño, yesterday to point out to them that records will show that arrests have been made against drugs in his town.

However, Montelibano said that if they want swifter action against drugs, they should write Malacañang to address the current system for making drug arrest.

He said the police cannot make drug arrests without clearance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and that is slowing down action.

As to the call for public officials to undergo drug tests, he said this is very much welcome anytime, any day, he is not afraid.*CPG

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