What’s shabulized?

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte has just introduced a new word in the drug war.

Announcing the names of judges, politicians, police and military officers and civilians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, Duterte mentioned that Iloilo “is the most shabulized” province.

“Is there such a word as ‘shabulized?’ Wala akong personal sa kanila ha (I have nothing personal against them). Iloilo,” the President said.

Several meanings of ‘shabulized’ were assumed: that Iloilo has become a shabu place in form, style, or character; that illegal drugs have been assimilated into the Ilonggo culture, or that shabu has influenced or controlled the Ilonggo way of life.

While many Ilonggos welcomed Duterte’s pronouncement, others protested against the sweeping label, including netizens who said the alleged shabu protectors don’t represent the entire Ilonggo community.

“The label is a blatant insult to well-meaning Ilonggos who support the fight against illegal drugs,” a netizen posted.

Facebook user Vhe Ruth, on the other hand, said, “Masakit man pero amo na ang kamatuoran…tama na ka rampant ang drug trade dri sa iloilo…hindi ta na ma-deny nga grabe ang pag-uswag ang Iloilo pro grabe man ang pagduging ng droga (It hurts but it’s true. The illegal drug trade is rampant here in Iloilo. We can’t deny that as we progressed, the proliferation of illegal drugs has also progressed).”

Meanwhile, Sen. Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo, said he is saddened and hurt by the statement of Duterte tagging Iloilo City as the “most shabulized.”

Drilon said that if the allegations against those involved in the illegal drug trade were true, they did it on their own and this should not be misconstrued as a collective act of Ilonggos.