Halili denies drug links, points to suspects’ walk of shame in Tanauan

Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili on Tuesday said that he lost nothing after the National Police Commission stripped him of control over the Philippine National Police in his town, over alleged links to illegal drugs.

Sought for comment as regards the Napolcom's decision, Halili said he had yet to receive a copy of the order but added that Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas already informed him about it.

“Sabi ko nga I did not lose a thing dahil hindi naman talaga ako nagko-control at nagsusupervise ng local PNP in my city kasi they are doing their job and I believe I’m not the better person to run, control, or supervise," Halili told GMA News Online.

"I did not go to the police academy. Pinapabayaan ko sila,” he said in a phone interview.

Halili said he already saw the intelligence report linking him to illegal drugs. He denied any involvement in the drug trade.

“Based on intelligence report, which is an invented report, that I am a cohort of Mayor (Cipriano) Goto Violago of San Rafael, Bulacan,” Halili said.

“I do not personally know and haven’t met, haven’t seen him in person. I don’t know that mayor and I’m sure he does not know me personally, too. When the intelligence report is anchored on that, there is something wrong,” he added.

“According to that intelligence report, I have plans to set up my own network of drug distribution in my area. Kaya, at the outset, something is wrong," Halili said.

He said he was surprised with the allegation because he has been conducting anti-illegal drug efforts even before President Rodrigo Duterte was elected.

“I have been doing ‘walk of shame’, I’ve been sending letters to suspected drug personalities, even before I have been doing my local version of tokhang. Even before Duterte became president,  ginagawa ko na ‘yan sa Tanauan since 2013,” Halili said.

He said someone in Malacanang wanted to destroy him.

Halili refused to give a name but claimed that a Duterte adviser was planning run for mayor in Tanuan.

“There is someone who is trying to destroy me. He is aiming, dreaming to be a mayor. Itong taong ito ay presidential adviser,” Halili said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy, the chairman of the Napolcom, in an order dated October 30 withdrew the deputation of Halili, Lemery, Batangas Mayor Eulalio Alilio; Teresa, Rizal Mayor Raul Palino; Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Cecilio Hernandez; and San Pablo Mayor Loreto Amante.

GMA News Online is still trying to reach out to the other mayors to get their side on the matter. —NB, GMA News