Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto was included in the list of ten governors recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their relentless efforts in waging war against illegal drugs in their provinces.

In a news article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) on Sunday, 1:17AM, August 22, 2016 written by Marlon Ramos, the list was submitted by DILG Ismael Sueno to Malacanang after a stringent three stage screening process.

Sueno was quoted by the Inquirer report saying ” They should be recognized for their relentless anti drug campaign effors”.

Chatto was on the “honor list” together with Imee Marcos (Ilocos Norte), Faustino Dy lll (Isabela), Junie Cua (Quirino), Jose Alvarez (Palawan), Eduardo Firmalo (Romblon), Alfredo Maranon (Negros Occidental), Hilario Davide lll (Cebu), Daisy Avancena Fuentes (South Cotabato) and Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante – Matba (Agusan del Norte).

According to the Inquirer report, the initial vetting stage automatically included 41 governors whose province were previously awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance.

In the second stage 35 governors remained in the list after six who were facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman and belonged to political dynasties were stricken off the list, according to the Inquirer report.

Media reports, information gathered from residents about the character and personality of the official and negative reports of the official’s relatives and circle of friends were among the factors considered in the 2nd process, according to the Inquirer.

From the second stage, the list was whittled down from 35 to 25 governors where performance feedback from DILG field personnel were meticulously sifted with strict orders that any hint or rumor regarding drugs or illegal gambling links should be seriously considered.

“When in doubt, don’t give any recommendation at all”, the DILG order stressed, according to the Inquirer.

Bohol recorded the most number of drug users/pushers who voluntarily gave themselves in to police authorities in Central Visayas in response to “Oplan Tokhang”.

Four police officers were also killed in the war on drugs in the province whose deaths were always remembered by Chatto on several occasions.

Several numbers of drug suspects were also killed during police operations and were also executed in what police authorities believed were “rub outs” perpetrated by drug groups. (Chito Visarra)