MANILA, Philippines - The arrest of the son of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson should be a reminder to those who are trying to smuggle drugs outside or into the country, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said.

Ilocos Sur 1st District Representative Ronald Singson was nabbed at the Hong Kong International Airport last July 11 for possession of illegal drugs.

PDEA Director General Dionisio Santiago said his arrest outside the Philippines means that many are still being given special treatments in our own airports here.

Nonetheless, Santiago said the agency is ready to coordinate with police authorities in Hong Kong in case additional information is needed.

Santiago said the agency has yet to receive a call from authorities there.

He denied however that Singson’s son was one of those being monitored by PDEA.

He admitted however that the older Singson had already ordered him in the past to arrest anyone of his relatives who are involved in the drug trade.

Sabi ko ‘sigurado ka, Gov?’ Sabi niya, oo daw. Napahanga ako sa kanya.”

In another development, the Department of Foreign Affairs has already extended its help to the younger Singson.

However, “the latter has retained the services of private counsel and the later is now representing him in court proceedings. The Filipino national has not requested
the consulate general for any assistance at this time.”#