By Tara Yap

The Iloilo chapter of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) passed a resolution last week demanding the names of local mayors be removed from the “narco-politicians” list, compiled by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas, who serves as chapter president, said, “Until now, there is no evidence against them.”
The mayors in question include Siegfredo Betita of Carles and Mariano Malones, Sr. of Maasin.
Mayor Alex Centena of Calinog was also named by Duterte, but was absent at the time of the resolution’s passing, but may be added once a final draft is sent to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was also included on the president’s list.
Back in August of last year, when the list was released, Betita told Watchmen Daily Journal, “The people of Carles are shocked, I do not know on what basis is my name included.” While Centena said it was politically motivated, noting his close links to the Liberal Party.
Meanwhile, Malones said being labeled a drug protector by the president was worse than being killed./WDJ