Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte refused to have the tattoo on his back be photographed after Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said this could be the proof of his link with an international triad.
“No way,” Duterte told Trillanes. He later corrected his response, “Mr. Chair, no way.”
Citing intelligence reports, Trillanes said the tattoo bears “sacred digits” that could be decoded by the United States’ Drug Enforcement Agency.
“Kung wala ‘yang tattoo na ‘yan, kung wala kang tinatago, you shouldn’t be afraid,” Trillanes repeatedly told Duterte.
A visibly irked Duterte retorted, “Mr. Chair, ilang beses ko ba sasagutin na ayaw ko?”
“So maliwanag talagang ayaw mo kasi ‘yun ang proof, nandyan sa likod mo at nandoon ‘yung digits—sacred digits at kaya ayaw mo, kapag binigay sa DEA madedecode saan ka kasama,” Trillanes said.
(From left) Presidential son Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and son-in-law Mans Carpio. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The manner of Trillanes’ questioning the resource persons prompted Senator Richard Gordon, committee chair, to ask him not to make “editorials.”
Trillanes alleged that Duterte is a member of a triad composed of members from China, Hongkong and Macau engaged in criminal activities, including drug smuggling.
“Based sa same information na member itong si Paolo Duterte ng triad kasama si Charlie Tan, ito rin ang reason kung bakit may transshipment point ng cocaine ang Davao City port,” he said. CBB