Malabon mayor cites anti-drug gains after Duterte’s arrest warning

MANILA, Philippines – Malabon City’s track record in combating the illegal drugs menace will speak for itself, Mayor Antolin “Len Len” Oreta III said Wednesday after he was called out by President Duterte in a Tuesday night political rally.

“We deeply appreciate the President’s concern about the drug situation here in Malabon City but our record speaks for itself,” Oreta said in a statement.

Oreta issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte warned that he would have the mayor arrested if he fails to solve the city’s drug problem in a month.

READ: Duterte to Malabon mayor: Clean up drug problem or face arrest

Oreta explained that since the Duterte administration launched the war on drugs, Malabon City has been conducting its own anti-illegal drug campaign.

The city was even recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Oreta said 40 percent of Malabon was declared “drug-cleared” and had the highest number of anti-drug programs in the National Capital Region.

“Nine out of 21 barangays in Malabon City or 40% were already declared ‘drug-cleared,’ and being the city with the highest number of anti-illegal drug programs in the whole of Metro Manila, PDEA can attest to the fact that Malabonians do not and will never tolerate drug abuse,” he said.

Oreta is seeking a third term as city mayor in the May midterm elections.

He is running under the former ruling Liberal Party and is a cousin of reelectionist opposition Senator Bam Aquino. / gsg