The peaceful community of Barangay Pangyan in Glan, Sarangani Province has recently been thrust into the spotlight following serious allegations linking its barangay captain to illegal drug activities.
A suspect identified as Alyas “Kokoy”, who was earlier arrested for assaulting Barangay Captain Charlie Tuling, claimed that Pangyan has become a drop-off point for illegal drugs and that the barangay chief himself allegedly acts as protector of the trade. According to him, he once discovered the illegal operations and was later targeted by the barangay captain, who even offered a reward to anyone who could discredit him.
These explosive accusations are now under police investigation. Authorities are verifying the truth behind the claims, as the suspect is currently detained for assaulting the barangay official. In his statement, Alyas “Kokoy” said that he had been instructed to monitor Captain Tuling’s activities after learning of his alleged involvement in protecting individuals engaged in the drug trade. He also accused the barangay captain of causing the breakdown of his marriage, citing a suspected relationship between the captain and his former wife.
If these allegations prove true, it would be a tragic revelation for the residents of Barangay Pangyan—people who placed their trust in their barangay captain to uphold the law and protect their welfare. The idea that a local leader could be involved in the very problem he is supposed to fight is deeply disturbing.
However, if the claims are false, the barangay captain has every right to take legal action against his accuser. The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of justice, and every allegation must be backed by evidence, not just rumor or resentment.
The controversy gains even more weight in light of a recent Manila Times report citing Sarangani Province as a major drop-off point for illegal drugs, a claim that the provincial police had strongly denied. The report, allegedly based on intelligence from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), suggested that international syndicates from Singapore and Taiwan use Sarangani’s coastal waters as an entry point for drug shipments—with the alleged involvement of influential local politicians and even armed groups.
If the confession of Alyas “Kokoy” aligns with these earlier intelligence reports, it may prompt deeper scrutiny from national authorities. Are these independent accounts coincidental—or pieces of a larger, disturbing puzzle?
What makes this issue even more pressing is the conflicting narratives between law enforcement agencies. The AFP claims that Sarangani serves as a staging area for drug trafficking, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) insists that peace and order remain stable, with most operations targeting smuggling of contraband cigarettes rather than drugs.
This discrepancy raises a crucial question: If Sarangani is indeed a major drug hub, where are the major drug seizures, arrests, and prosecutions? And if it isn’t, why are intelligence reports telling a different story?
The truth lies somewhere between these contradictions—and uncovering it is critical. Public trust cannot survive on half-truths and hearsay. Intelligence reports are worthless unless they lead to concrete, coordinated action. What we need now is accountability, not finger-pointing; transparency, not silence.
The people of Sarangani deserve clarity. If these allegations are true, they must lead to real arrests and justice. If not, then those spreading misinformation must also be held responsible. Either way, the integrity of Sarangani’s institutions—and the safety of its communities—hangs in the balance.
Trust is not demanded; it is earned. And it begins with the truth.