5 Calabarzon mayors lose control over cops

MANILA, Philippines — Five town mayors alleged to be involved in the illegal drug trade have lost their operational supervision and control over the police.

Mayors Eulalio Alilio of Lemery and Antonio Halili of Tanauan in Batangas; Raul Palino of Teresa and Cecilio Hernandez of Rodriguez, both in Rizal, as well as Loreto Amante of San Pablo, Laguna were found to be involved in illegal drugs after validation by several intelligence agencies, a resolution of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) dated Oct. 30 and released yesterday showed.

Halili, who initiated the “walk of shame” for drug suspects by parading them across the city while carrying a placard, denied any involvement in illegal drugs.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy signed the resolution.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Casurao, Commissioners Felizardo Serapio Jr., Zenonida Brosa and Job Mangete are the other signatories.

The resolution cited the pronouncement of President Duterte that the involvement of local chief executives in the illegal drug trade is an act inimical to national security.

Cuy said more local officials would lose their powers over the police because of illegal drugs.

“The Napolcom received an invented report not an intelligence report,” Halili said in reaction to the resolution.

He said he received reports that he was tagged as a cohort of a mayor in Bulacan, who is an alleged drug lord.

“I vehemently deny knowing or even seeing that certain mayor. If they can show me proof that I knew or I have any connection with him, then I’ll have myself shot,” Halili  said. – With Arnell Ozaeta