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Mayor Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac, on Thursday branded as baseless the allegation that he was engaged in the illegal drug trade, which was the basis of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to strip him and 23 other local executives of police power.
"Hindi po tama 'yung report nila dahil kahit pumunta sila dito to validate for themselves, napakalayo sa personality ko, sa activity ko, 'yung sinasabi nila. Baseless po iyan kahit saan sila magtanong dito," Lacson said in a phone interview with GMA News Online.
He said there was no organized drug group in his city and those who deliver illegal drugs have already been arrested. He said even the city's chief of police can attest that he is not involved in illegal drugs.
Lacson admitted that he was hurt with the Napolcom resolution linking him to illegal drugs.
"Para nila kaming pinatay na walang honor. Iyong mga taong hindi kami kilala [ay] hindi na mababawi sa kanila 'yung masamang impresyon," he said.
He added that in his many years in public service, it was the first time that he was linked in illegal activities.
"First time akong na na-involve sa fiasco sa ganito pa. Nagsimula akong youth leader sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan), councilor, vice mayor for three terms, at second term ko na sa pagka-mayor ngayon, never akong na-involved sa ganyan," he said.
He asked the Napolcom to validate their information again.
"Pumarehas lang sana sila, mag-validate sila hindi kami natatakot kahit kalkalin nila ang buong buhay namin," Lacson said.
He asked if his inclusion on the list was because Concepcion, Tarlac, is the hometown of the former President Benigno Aquino III.
Lacson said he will write a letter to the Napolcom, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Philippine National Police to clear his name.
The Napolcom resolution stated that after continuous validation by the intelligence agencies concerned, the local chief executives, including Lacson, have been identified as engaged in illegal drug trade or activity.
"The exercise of the duties, obligations, powers, and prerogatives vested unto the foregoing local chief executives as Napolcom deputy under Section 51 (b) of RA 6975 as amended are hereby suspended accordingly," the resolution said.
"Based on the consistent pronouncements made by our Chief Executive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs, the involvement of a local chief executive in illegal drug activity constitutes an act inimical to national security."
The resolutions said the alleged involvement in illegal drugs of the local officials negated the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign and thus serves as a valid ground for suspension or withdrawal of deputation of Napolcom representatives.
This article originated by: GMA News
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