Incumbent, former Lanao del Sur mayors surrender to PNP

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE 2 5:42 p.m.) — An incumbent and a former mayor of separate municipalities in Lanao del Sur surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday in connection with their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

 

PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said that Maguing Mayor Mamaulan Molok and former Marantao Mayor Mohammadali Abinal surrendered after finding out that their names were included in President Rodrigo Duterte's drugs watch list.

 

"They come in peace, gusto nila tumulong. Nag-surrender sila," Dela Rosa said in a televised press conference.

 

Molok and Abinal both admitted that they have been involved in the narcotics drug trade in various areas in the country including Quiapo in Manila, Caloocan City and Cavite from 2000 to 2002.

 

The two "narco-politicians" clarified that they are no longer involved in the illegal drug trade and volunteered to head the war against drugs.

 

"According to them right now they are no longer involved but before they have been involved... They promised to me that they will spearhead the anti-drug campaign. They will be the ones leading the war against drugs in their respective municipalities," Dela Rosa said.

 

"Willing ako pumunta dito. Suportahan ko yung programa ng presidente na si Rodrigo Duterte at si Chief PNP General Bato," Abinal told members of the press.

 

Meanwhile, Molok vowed to encourage drug users and dealers in his own municipality to surrender to the police.

 

The Lanao del Sur local executives will be turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the PNP and will undergo custodial investigation.

 

Dela Rosa said that more mayors allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade are expected to surrender on Monday.

 

Duterte earlier issued a shoot-on-sight order for "narco-politicians" included in his watch list who would refuse to surrender.

 

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella defended Duterte's order and stressed that it was part of the president's policy of maintaining peace and order in the country.