Anti-narcotics authorities questioned the local government of Magalang in Pampanga for initiating the sale of more than 3,000 heads of hogs confiscated by the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during the raid at a piggery farm in Barangay San Ildefonso last month.
“I received a subpoena from PDEA asking us to explain the sale of thousands of hogs we took from the piggery because some have died, posing a danger to the health of residents in surrounding communities,” Magalang Mayor Malou Lacson said.
Lacson said she merely acted on the complaints of residents and the decision made by health authorities.
“The pigs were left behind to die. No one was feeding them. So we decided to call for an auction,” she said.
The proceeds amounting to P7 million, Lacson said, is currently deposited in the town coffers under a trust fund.
Lacson said there were some businessmen who participated in the bidding, but a popular meat processing company in the province got the highest bid.
PDEA National Capital Region Wilkins Villanueva, who led his men during the raid, is contemplating on filing criminal and administrative charges against Lacson and other local officials including the barangay chairman of San Ildefonso after they allegedly sold the pigs without the consent of proper authorities.
“The hogs are part of the evidence and no one is allowed to take them out without a court order,” said a PDEA agent who declined to be named, adding that all things, including the property itself, are confiscated in favor of the government.
Lacson admitted she did not attend the hearing when subpoenaed by PDEA but said she was represented by her staff.
“I presumed we did the right thing, because we have a certification issued by agriculture officials, which we made as basis. I also sought legal opinion from higher office of the interior and local government on the disposition of the confiscated hogs,” said Lacson.
Lacson said she is not saying that the hogs are not fruits of the crime.
“These are livestock that need to be taken cared of,” she said.
Lacson said the health of residents near the hog farm had been prioritized fearing the long term exposure to ammonia build up will affect them.
During the raid, the hog farm yielded 20 kilograms of ephedrine, 468 grams of methamphetamine and assorted equipment use in the manufacture of ‘shabu.’ Six Chinese nationals were charged of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.