Nephew of president’s adviser held

MANILA: A nephew of one of Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte’s inner circle was caught selling drugs in a sting operation in the president’s home city, the anti-narcotics agency said yesterday.

John Paul Dureza, the nephew of Mr Duterte’s political adviser and peace negotiator Jesus Dureza, was caught selling 15 grammes of “shabu” methamphetamine to an undercover Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent in Davao City on Thursday. Jesus Dureza, a childhood friend of Mr Duterte who leads a troubled peace process with communist rebels, said he was embarrassed by his nephew and praised the PDEA for showing no favours to those with connections.

“I commend the authorities for enforcing and applying the law without fear or favour,” he said in a statement. “That’s the way this no-nonsense drive of President Duterte should proceed.”

Mr Dureza’s nephew would be charged with possession of drugs and firearms and had long been on the PDEA’s radar, its regional chief, Adzar Albani, said. The arrest comes weeks after a scandal came to light that led to Mr Duterte suspending all police anti-drugs operations. Rogue antidrugs officers were found to have been involved in the kidnapping and killing of a South Korean businessman, inside the national police headquarters. The PDEA is now leading the anti-drug campaign and will be using troops for support.