Duterte wants drug queen, daughter’s protectors named

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte wants to know the identities of government officials who allegedly protected convicted drug trafficker Yu Yuk Lai and her daughter Diane Yu Uy, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said an investigation would be conducted to identify the officials. 

“This will really be pursued by the President. Those who are supporting them will be identified and be made accountable,” Roque said, referring to Yu and Uy.

Granting pardon to the 72-year-old Yu is wishful thinking, considering the stance of the President against illegal drugs, Roque said. 

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino said Yu and Uy boasted of having connections to certain influential individuals, whom he did not identify. 

On Nov. 6, anti-narcotics agents recovered illegal drugs and phones from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, where Yu has been imprisoned for 19 years.

On the same day, Uy was arrested in a raid on her apartment located near Malacañang’s Solano gate.

Two kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of P10 million were seized from the apartment.

Uy was accused of using her rice retailing business to hide her illicit drug trade. She has denied the allegation.