Trillanes to Block Proposed Senate Hearing vs Roxas, Drilon as Alleged Drug Lord Protectors in Visayas

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is set to block the proposed Senate Hearing on the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Visayas. This comes after an arrested drug lord mentioned in his sworn affidavit that former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon as the top drug lord protectors in their hometown region.



“I am referring to the druglords being protected by none other than Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon, who had the plan of controlling the illegal drug business in the Western Visayas-Panay/Negros,” Suspected drug lord Ricky Suarez Serenio wrote on his sworn affidavit, dated October 18, 2017. He was arrested in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, last January 8.

“That Roxas and Drilon are the political patrons of Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who is closely connected to the two as shown in the political inclination of the city which is a “pro-yellow” during the elections in 2016.” The 34-year old native of Bacolod City added, Police Regional Office (PRO-18) identified him as Level 3 drug lord who operates mostly in Negros Occidental.

Must Read: * Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon Top Drug Lord Protectors in Visayas, Drug Lord’s Sworn Affidavit Says

Trillanes, who recently met with anti-Duterte US Senator Marco Rubio, was asked by media if he already knows about Serenio’s affidavit. According to him, he only saw it on Facebook but he has not yet discussed with Roxas or Drilon. On the propose Senate hearing, the Liberal Party (LP) ally senator said he will block it on the Senator floor.

“Una, sawa na ang mga tao sa Senate hearing na wala naming nangyayari kundi kampihan ng mga senador si Duterte. Ikalawa, alam naman natin na tinakot lang si Serenio para banggitin ang pangalan ng mga kritiko ng administrasyon.” Trillanes said, noting that the case should be investigated by an independent party, and not the Senate.



On the other hand, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he welcomes any proposal for Senate hearing. “Titingnan naming mabuti kung ito nga ay dapat pag-usapan sa Senate hearing. At kung pagbibintangan kaming kampi sa pangulo, sana di na namin inimbestigahan ang paratang nila sa kanya.” The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chair said.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao