Año urges alleged drug queen to return
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday urged the "drug queen" to return to the country and answer the allegations against her.
"She should answer the allegations against her... to know if it is real or who are her contacts," Año told reporters in an interview.
Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Region chief, said the ''drug queen'' was identified as Guia Castro, chairperson of Barangay 484 Zone 4B in Sampaloc.
Eleazar said Castro left last September 21 for Bangkok.
"But upon arrival, we will conduct investigation against her. We will also invite her (for questioning)," Año said.
"You know, if it's drug (related) we must pursue it," he added.
About the denial of her family regarding her involvement in illegal drugs, the Interior Secretary said it is the usual reaction.
He assured that Castro will undergo due process.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Police General Oscar Albayalde clarified the statement of the Manila City police chief on killing the drug queen.
"It really depends on how we see the situation in every police operation. If there is really a threat on their lives, we cannot do anything but to retaliate," he said.
"If there is resistance with force, of course our team (also) react with force," he added.
Albayalde said President Rodrigo Duterte told them to arrest the suspects if they can do so.
"We can apply search warrants (for) this suspect," Albayalde said.
Castro is claimed to be residing in Manila and allegedly connected to "ninja cops" or police officers involved in illegal drugs. Ella Dionisio/DMS
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Palace says situation under control amid existence of communicable diseases
Malacanang said on Thursday the situation is under control amid the existence of communicable diseases in the country.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this was the assurance given by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
"I talked to Secretary Duque the other day. He said that the situation is under control," he said in a press briefing.
He said the government has vaccination programs at the barangay level.
Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, said he believes Duque has been doing everything to protect the health of the Filipinos.
The DOH has confirmed that there were cases of polio in the country after it was eradicated 19 years ago.
The government has also been addressing dengue and measles problems.
Recently, a child died in Manila due to diphtheria, a contagious disease. Celerina Monte/DMS
