Five local execs, lawmaker included in Duterte narcolist deny drug trade links

At least five local government executives and one lawmaker named in President Rodrigo Duterte's 'narcolist' have denied involvement in the illegal drug trade, dismissing it as politically motivated black propaganda.

In a report aired on GMA News TV's News To Go on Friday, the mayors who issued their respective denials less than a day after the President dropped their names include:

• Mayor Jefferson Khonghun of Subic, Zambales
• Mayor Larry Alilio of Lemery, Batangas
• Representative Vicente Veloso of Leyte
• Mayor Erlon Agustin of Camiling, Tarlac
• Mayor Jamar Abdullah Mansul of Madji Mutahmad, Basilan, and
• Vice Mayor Ottoh Montawal of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao 

Another mayor on the narcolist, Mayor Abubakar Maulanan of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, did not make a comment but his camp said that he will be ready to face the charges in court.

The President's 'narcolist' features 66 names, and the President assured the public that the government has already filed administrative complaints against these public official before the Office of the Ombudsman.

GMA News did not name the others mentioned by the President on his 'narcolist' pending their response to the Chief Executive's allegations.

Those on the 'narcolist' who have already denied their involvement much earlier since they have been accused by the President ahead include: former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog and Daanbanyatan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot.

The Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Elections and Vice President Leni Robredo, among others, earlier warned that the release of the 'narcolist' will be a violation of human rights, deprive the accused of due process, victimize innocent individuals and worss, put a target on the back of the accused and their families.

The President, however, has maintained that his list is validated by intelligence units of government agencies. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News