Duterte warns Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta of arrest over drugs

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has warned Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta to rid the city of illegal drugs in one month, otherwise he will be arrested.

Duterte issued the warning as he campaigned for the local candidates of the ruling PDP-Laban party in the city on Tuesday night.

Oreta is the cousin of former president Benigno Aquino III and son of former senator Tessie Oreta-Aquino.

“Mayor, linisin mo ang Malabon sa drugs. Bibigyan kita ng isang buwan (Mayor, clean up Malabon of drugs. I will give you one month),” Duterte said. “Kung hindi, ipapahuli kita at ipapatapon sa Manila Bay (Or else I will have you arrested and thrown in Manila Bay).”

Duterte attended the proclamation rally of Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, who is running for mayor against Oreta.

Oreta, a member of the opposition Liberal Party, is seeking to be reelected for a third term.

9 of 21 barangays drug-free

Following Duterte’s arrest warning, Oreta cited Malabon’s track record in the fight against drugs.

In a statement yesterday, Oreta expressed gratitude for the President’s concern for Malabon.

“Even before the President declared his war on drugs, Malabon City has been conducting anti-drug campaign. In recent years, the city was recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for its record in eliminating drugs,” the mayor said.

Oreta said nine of 21 barangays in Malabon have been declared drug-free by the PDEA.

“With the help of the local authorities and the communities, we envision Malabon as one of the first 100 percent drug-cleared cities in Metro Manila,” he said.