‘Pink Mayor’ airs surprise as Duterte links him to drugs

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town has denied reports that he was engaged in the illegal drugs trade.

Dimaukom, who presented himself to the Provincial Police Office in Sharif Aguak town on Sunday, told the INQUIRER by phone that he was surprised that his name was on the list of political figures suspected of involvement in illegal narcotics.

“I want to clear my name. I’m here so the public may know the truth,” said Dimaukom while in the custody of Maguindanao police director Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan.

President Duterte before dawn on Sunday announced the names of local chief executives, judges, policemen and other government personnel suspected of involvement in illegal drugs. He issued a 24-hour grace period for them to vacate their posts and clear their names.

Dimaukom, known as the “Pink Mayor” due to the pink colors used in his municipality, including a huge mosque splashed in pink, said he was ready to confront the allegation.

According to him, he was set to meet ARMM police director Chief Supt. Agripino Javier on Sunday./rga

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