Drug matrix shows links between criminals, terrorists — Abella

Marawi City amid the raging rebellion of Islamist terrorists. INQUIRER FILE / JEOFFREY MAITEM

Malacañang said on Sunday the release of the Lanao del Sur drug matrix underscored the “ties behind illegal drugs and criminal and terrorist activities.”

On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte showed reporters the “Lanao del Sur (LDS) Drug Trade Linked Diagram” with the names of and connections among drug personalities who are allegedly funding the Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute terrorists in Marawi City.

READ: New Duterte matrix shows Maute drug links

“Local politicians in Mindanao adversely affected by the government’s campaign against illegal drugs have financed the Daesh-inspired Maute Group, whose attempt to undermine our sovereignty resulted in the rebellion in Marawi,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Abella said the information gave more reason for the government forces to destroy the drug apparatus to protect Filipinos and secure communities.

“It is therefore imperative that we destroy the drug apparatus not only to protect the Filipino family and the youth of the country but also to secure our communities,” he said.

Government troops control Masiu Bridge

Abella, meanwhile, lauded government troops for retaking the Masiu bridge, which, he said, was significant in ending the rebellion in Marawi City.

“Government troops’ control of the Masiu Bridge is a significant development in our goal of ending the rebellion in Marawi,” Abella said.

The Masiu bridge is closest to Lake Lanao and is a possible escape route of the remaining terrorist rebels still holed up in the main battle area, he said.

“Government troops are now in the final push and despite the enemy’s continued resistance, our recent successes would hopefully lead to the eventual liberation of the entire city and pave the way back to normalcy,” Abella added. /cbb