PNP looking into drug link in ambush on Daanbantayan, Cebu mayor Loot

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday said they are investigating if the recent attempt on the life of Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot has a link to illegal drugs.

"'Yan ay malalim na iniimbestigahan ng ating kapulisan doon at tinitingnan natin 'yung different anggulo diyan. Una, 'yung sinasabing alleged involvement sa droga," Albayalde said on Unang Balita.

He later added, "As of this time, hindi pa natin nakukuhanan ng full statement si Mayor Loot kasi."

Loot and his family were attacked at Daanbantayan port over the weekend by unidentified suspects with long firearms.

He believed the attack was politically-motivated and had nothing to do with his inclusion in President Rodrigo Duterte's list of officials with alleged links to illegal drugs.

Loot had also noted a suspicious lack of police at the port during the attack, a point Albayalde countered by explaining that ports were under the supervision of the Philippine Coast Guard.

"Mga Coast Guard usually diyan. Wala talaga tayong pulis. Meron tayong police assistance desk diyan, mga dalawang pulis, just in case 'yung mga sumasakay diyan, mangailangan sila ng tulong ng ating kapulisan," Albayalde explained.

Eriguel killing

Meanwhile, Albayalde also noted that two persons of interests were brought in with regard to the killing of former La Union Second District Representative Eufranio "Franny" Eriguel.

"Ine-establish pa natin diyan talaga kung sino pa ang involved diyan at kung ano ang motibo sa pagbaril sa kanya," he said. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News