‘Narco vice mayor’ being probed for Davao blast

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) filed drug trafficking charges yesterday against Talitay, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal, who is also being investigated for the Davao City bombing last Sept. 2 that killed 14 people.

The PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) filed the charges against Sabal and three other suspects before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Sabal was flown to Manila from Maguindanao early yesterday morning following his arrest on Thursday at the Cotabato City airport.

DOJ prosecutor Gino Santiago said the complaints were filed against Sabal, Mohanna Sabal, Nasser Maulana and Norodin Abas.

Santiago said that based on the letter request of the PNP, the investigators filed complaints of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 1992 and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives against the four respondents.

The DOJ clarified that it would be decided by next week if a case would be filed against the suspects in the proper court.

Aside from the illegal drug trade, police are investigating the possible involvement of Vice Mayor Sabal in the bombing at the Davao City night market.

Police released an artist’s sketch of the suspect who was wearing a mask.

PNP chief Director General Roland dela Rosa said that the blast could have been perpetrated by narco-politicians in retaliation for the government’s sustained anti-drugs campaign.

Santiago said that there was “no mention” that the complaint filed against the four individuals were connected to the Davao blast last Sept. 2.

Earlier, President Duterte accused Sabal and his brother Talitay Mayor Montasir Sabal as narco-politicians for their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The Sabal brothers earlier surrendered to Maguindanao police director Senior Supt. Nicksdon Muksan and denied their involvement in drug trafficking.

They later presented themselves to Dela Rosa in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In Manila, Sabal was initially brought to the AIDG office before he was brought to the DOJ in Manila.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said that he still has no information regarding Sabal’s arrest and presence at the AIDG.