Duterte: Burden of proof on local execs in narco list

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte told local government officials in Lanao del Norte to prove that they are not involved in the illegal drug trade if their names are included in the list of so-called narco-politicians.

Duterte said if the local officials could guarantee that they are not involved in drugs there will be no problem.

The President met the local officials before the weekend to assess the damage caused by Tropical Storm Vinta and the assistance that the victims need.

Duterte told the local officials never to enter into  the illegal drug and not to protect any drug trafficker. 

“Do not protect. Some local leaders, it turns out there are names of governors,” he said. 

Duterte said the local officials, especially mayors or governors, are prone to protecting drug lords by turning a blind eye and deaf ear to their illegal activities.

He pointed out that even if the local officials will not report it to higher officials or would just ignore the proliferation of such illegal drugs, intelligence operatives would have a way of knowing their secrets. 

The President lamented that sometimes the names of local government officials appear in the narcolist as protectors.

He said that was why he called the local officials to Malacañang earlier to warn them that he would really “kill” them if they get involved in illegal drugs, like former Ozamiz City mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and the late mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte who were killed after alleged shootouts with policemen.