Why did gov’t tap ‘drug lord’ as negotiator? – LP senators

Opposition senators asked yesterday why the Duterte administration appointed an alleged drug lord to negotiate with the terrorist Maute group which is locked in a mortal combat with government troops in Marawi City since May 24.

“Akala ko ba galit ang administrasyon sa iligal na droga pero bakit nila hinahayaan ang isang drug lord para makipag negosasyon sa Maute group (I thought the administration is angry at illegal drugs, then why did they allow a drug lord to negoatiate with the Maute Group)?” asked Senator Francis Pangilinan, Liberal Party (LP) president.

Pangilinan was referring to former Marawi City mayor Omar Solitario Ali, whom Pangilinan said is included in President Dutertest list of narco-politicians. He said Solitario is also accused of being a financier of the Maute Group.

The opposition senator said the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) in Mindanao recovered two kilograms of shabu (crystal meth) worth about P10 million and other drug paraphernalia at Solitario Ali’s house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi last June 23.

Solitario Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also the concurrent martial law administrator, said he ordered the removal of Solitario Ali from the list of persons ordered arrested under martial law for alleged rebellion.

This was on the recommendation by Peace Adviser Secretary Jess Dureza, he explained.

“Kung prayoridad ng administrasyon ang gyera kontra droga, dapat managot ang lahat ng may kinalaman sa drug trade, pati ang mga kaalyado ng Presidente (The Duterte administration’s priority is its position against illegal drugs. Those having links with the illegal drug trade and even the President’s allies must face charges),” Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said.