Narcopolitics proven during raids: Palace

Malcañang yesterday said the seizure of illegal drugs and mini- shabu laboratory in the rest house of a town mayor in Sarangani province proves the government’s claim that illegal drugs have captured local politics.

Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. surrendered to Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao last Friday, hours after law enforcers raided his house and seized P5 million worth of shabu, firearms, and shabu- making equipment.

“The surrender of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. underscores how deeply narco- politics entrenched in the country,” Malacañang said in a statement, adding that success of the government’s drug crackdown depends on the full support and cooperation of all sectors in the society.

Hours after the raid at the mayor’s house, Pacquiao advised Lopez to surrender to the law enforcers so as not to aggravate his case. By noon, he turned himself in to the senator in General Santos City.

Pacquiao immediately turned over Lopez to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) director general Aaron Aquino on Friday.

Earlier in the day, combined operatives of PDEA, police and military raided the seaside rest house of Lopez in the village of Lumasal and seized P5 million worth of suspected shabu, a mini- shabu laboratory, green book containing drug transactions and money trail.

Lopez allegedly had drug transactions with known drug personalities Herbert Colangco, Kerwin Espinosa and the late Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Jr.

The surrender of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. underscores how deeply narco-politics is entrenched in the country. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT