Duterte brands Iloilo as most ‘shabulized’ province

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday branded Iloilo as the “most shabulized” province as he mentioned several local government officials and other personalities from the province who have alleged links to the illegal drugs trade.

“The most shabulized – is that the word – shabulized, is there such a word shabulized? I will say that wala akong personal sa kanila ha – Iloilo,” Duterte said after reading a couple of names from his list.

While in Davao City, Duterte read out names of more than 150 personalities, whom he said were linked to drug trade. He said that while “it might be true, it might not be true,” it was his duty nonetheless to tell the truth to the Filipino people.

Among those coming from Iloilo are Mayors Jed Mabilog of Iloilo City, Sigfredo Betita of Carles, Alex Centena of Calinog, and Mariano Malones of Maasin.

Also named were Judge Savillo of Regional Trial Court Branch 13, Vice Mayor Francis Ansing Amboy of Maasin, Attorney Antonio Pesina, and Erwin “Tongtong” Plagata.

Sente President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon, who hails from Iloilo, said he feels “saddened” that the perception that some local officials of Iloilo are involved in the drug trade could become the basis of a sweeping description of the province.

“Whatever these officials may have allegedly done are their individual acts, and cannot be the collective guilt of the Ilongos,” Drilon said.

Drilon is the second cousin of Mayor Mabilog.

The senator also called on Duterte to observe due process and the rule of law, saying those named must be given the opportnity to clear their names.

In a separate statement, Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas said he commits support to the administration's campaign against illegal drugs.

“I support President Duterte's action to clean up the country of illegal drugs most especially Iloilo City. I will give my utmost in my capacity to ensure that this campaign will succeed,” Treñas said. —ALG, GMA News