2 more Luzon mayors cry foul over ‘narco politicians’ tag

SUBIC TOWN, Zambales/CONCEPCION, Tarlac — Two more mayors in Luzon have cried foul over a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) resolution stripping them and 16 other mayors of their power over the local police based on allegations of links to the illegal drug trade.

Mayors Jefferson Khonghun of Subic, Zambales and Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac decried their fate and the allegations made against them by the NAPOLCOM.

Under the law, the NAPOLCOM, being the organization directly supervising the Philippine National Police (PNP), deputizes municipal mayors to exercise supervisory control over local police force.

Earlier Mayors Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Pampanga, Erlon Agustin of Camiling, Tarlac, and Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas also rejected NAPOLCOM’s action which put them in a bad light.

At a press conference last Saturday, Khonghun said he was shocked to be included the list of the NAPOLCOM. “I really don't know where they gathered the information (linking me to illegal drugs). I was really dumbfounded. My family was as well shocked and confused. I am only 40 years old and may takot ako sa Diyos. The Napolcom report is wrong, baseless. I dare them to investigate thoroughly,” he said.

Lacson said he has behind him the support of those who know him best.

Asked to comment on Lacson being in the “narco politicians” list, Moncada Mayor Lita Aquino, who heads the League of Municipal Mayors of Tarlac said: “It’s a big lie. We solidly stand behind him and mayor Erlon (Agustin of Camiling). We (personally) know them as God-loving and God fearing people (and) of good moral character.”

“We know him as a very decent person, principled, honest and strongly against drugs. We cannot believe he is into drugs. What is their basis in accusing him?” said Father Mon Capuno, head of the Parish Pastoral Council of this town.