LOOT’S PROMISE: I’LL BE BACK IN A MONTH

The retired police general left the country in the wake of persistent allegations by President Rodrigo Duterte that he is a protector of illegal drug activities

Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot assured that he will return to Cebu after his month-long overseas trip.

In an email to SunStar Cebu, Loot said that during his 30-day vacation leave, he will spend time with his sisters who are currently living in Canada and in the United States.

He flew there so he can join them on Thanksgiving Day and attend the 80th birthday of one of his sisters.

“I have five aging sisters here and in Canada who have been inviting me for years already to be with them for a much needed vacation,” Loot said.

Loot assured that his departure was authorized by Gov. Hilario Davide III.

He also assured that he will return to Cebu after his vacation to continue serving as town mayor.

Based on a letter he provided to Davide’s office, Loot’s vacation started last Nov. 18.

He is scheduled to return to work on Dec. 18.

Loot has been forced into hiding for the past months after receiving threats from President Rodrigo Duterte over his alleged involvement as a protector of illegal drug activities when he was still a police general.

Last May, Loot and his family members survived an ambush in Daanbantayan. The perpetrators still have not been identified.

The retired police official is no longer seeking reelection as town mayor and has given way to his stepson, Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura, to run in his place in next year’s midterm elections.