BACOLOD CITY: A total of 39 barangay (village) officials in Western Visayas (WV) have been arrested and are facing charges over allegations of anomalous distribution of cash aid under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

LtCol. Gilbert Gorero, Police Regional Office 6 acting spokesman, on Monday said their records showed 11 barangay chairmen, eight barangay councilors, eight barangay secretaries, five barangay health workers, three civilians, two liaison officers, a social welfare officer and a purok (area) leader had been arrested.