ILOILO City – Mayor Mariano Malones of Maasin, Iloilo confirmed there were threats on his life.
“My family is worried. Every now and then may ma-receive sila nga threat sa akon,” disclosed Malones whom President Rodrigo Duterte linked to illegal drugs in August 2016.
The mayor denied having anything to do with illegal drugs either as user, pusher or protector.
Malones said he had no idea where the death threats came from. He recently said he won’t be seeking security assistance from the police or military.
“I’m not guilty so I am not afraid,” he stressed.
Two Luzon mayors that President Rodrigo Duterte linked to illegal drugs were assassinated early this month.
Tanauan, Batangas mayor Antonio Halili was shot and killed by a sniper on July 1 and the next day, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija mayor Ferdinand Bote was gunned down. Trece Martires, Cavite vice mayor Alexander Lubigan was also shot and killed four days later on July 7.
“Having lots of bodyguards won’t matter if the killer is intent on taking you down. The most important thing is having a clear conscience,” stressed Malones.
Aside from Malones, President Duterte also linked to illegal drugs Mayor Alex Centena of Calinog and Mayor Sigfredo Betita of Carles. All denied involvement in illegal drugs.
Only last week, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. said there were no “narco mayors” in the province and that the mayors President Duterte named in 2016 had nothing to worry about.
An updated copy of Duterte’s so-called narco list with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez did not contain the names of the Iloilo mayors, said Defensor.
The governor also said no charges have been filed against the three mayors and no witnesses came forward to pin them down.
“Napa-verify ko na, gin-confirm sang office sang Speaker kay may kopya sila sang latest nga listahan sang Presidente wala na sa listahan si mayors Centena, Malones kag Betita,” said Defensor./PN
