ILOILO – “No big deal.” This was Mayor Mariano Malones’ reaction to a report that he may not get back his police power any time soon.
The mayor of the municipality of Maasin was stripped of his authority to exercise supervisory control over the town’s local police force in August 2016 after President Rodrigo Duterte linked him to illegal drugs.
“Okay lang, wala man gid big deal sa akon ang police power,” said Malones.
According to Atty. Joseph Celis, director of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Region 6, there was no order yet from their central office or from the Office of the President restoring Malones’ police power.
Since he became mayor in 1998, according to Malones, he had not utilized the Maasin police for his security.
He was proud of this fact because it showed that Maasin was a peaceful municipality, he stressed.
“Malinong kag masadya ang Maasin. I have nothing to worry about,” said Malones.
The mayor also said he had a good working relationship with the Maasin police force.
Malones recently revealed there were threats on his life.
“My family is worried. Every now and then may ma-receive sila nga threat sa akon,” he said.
He 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 but stressed 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 in July.
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. Both denied involvement in illegal drugs, too, and like Malones were also stripped of their police powers./PN
