Duterte orders lifestyle check on Iloilo mayor

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday revealed that he has ordered a lifestyle check on Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog.

Duterte earlier advised Mabilog to cut his supposed links to the illegal drug trade after assigning controversial Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido to Iloilo City.

Two alleged "narco-politicians"—Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog—have died in police operations under Espenido's area of responsibility.

Malacañang has clarified that Duterte is not singling out the Iloilo mayor after warning him against protecting drug lords.

In a speech during the oath taking of Philippine National Police star rank officers, Duterte said Mabilog wants to talk to him and that the local official agreed to a lifestyle check.

"His house is like a palace…  Anak siguro talaga ito ng mayamang mayaman. Ang bahay niya talagang pinasilip ko sa mga [National Bureau of Investigation] pati [Bureau of Internal Revenue]," Duterte told the police officials.

Duterte added that it is for this reason that he expects the PNP to serve peace and order and uphold the rule of law.

"It is your duty to ensure that our countrymen are protected from the various that prey on our citizenry," the president told the police.

The president earlier reminded the police to follow the rules of engagement in carrying out operations against the illegal drug trade.