3 months ago
22
ILOILO CITY — Mayor Jerry Treñas of this city has denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade, adding his name has never been included in any drug-related list.
"I categorically declare that I have never had any connections with any individuals involved in the illegal drug trade in Iloilo City," said Treñas on Wednesday.
Treñas made the statement after photos of him with an alleged Iloilo drug lord surfaced online.
He stressed his name has never been identified by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or former president Rodrigo Duterte in connection with any drug operations.
"I have never been involved in any capacity — whether through association, protection or financing — with any drug operation of any kind in Iloilo City," he stressed.
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Treñas also emphasized that none of the city administrators or chief of the Iloilo City police under his watch have been implicated in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs.
"I stand by my record of integrity and remain fully committed to public service," he highlighted.
While he did not specify what prompted his statement, Treñas made his remarks during a press conference on Monday, a day after he made a veiled reference to Melvin Odicta, an alleged Iloilo drug lord known as the "Dragon."
Addressing the 2012 joint venture agreement (JVA) for the Iloilo-Guimaras Ferry Terminal at Parola Wharf, Treñas appeared to allude to former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and his past dealings.
"Why is the past catching up with the present? From one dragon to Double Dragon. Maybe he (Mabilog) should answer that. If he dares, I also dare him. Why is it that you are so concerned about the dragons? I thought it was only a TV series. Why is he very concerned about his dragons?" he said.
The JVA was signed under Mabilog's administration with Double Dragon Properties Corp. as the terminal developer.
It can be recalled that Duterte publicly linked Mabilog to Odicta on several occasions, suggesting that Mabilog was related to or associated with the Odictas.
Odicta was killed along with his wife Miriam on Aug. 29, 2016. The couple was shot at the Caticlan Jetty Port in Malay, Aklan.
Mabilog consistently denied any involvement with illegal drugs or connections to Odicta. He maintained that he had actively worked against the drug trade during his tenure as mayor.
