Philippine President names top officials allegedly linked to drug trade

The President of the Philippines has named over 150 government officials who he says are complicit in the country's drug trade.

Among those named in a speech early Sunday in the southern city of Davao -- once President Rodrigo Duterte's mayoral stomping ground -- were government officials, members of the judiciary, congressmen and police officials.

While some are retired, many on his list were active officers, according to CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.

Duterte, who took office at the end of June, has been aggressively pursuing an anti-crime agenda -- with a special focus on ridding the country of illegal drugs.

He said the list has been validated and vetted by the military and police task forces he set up to investigate the illegal drugs "menace."

All active police officers named have been suspended, but the speech did not expand on the allegations Duterte was making against the officials on the list.

 

Author: 
CNN