MARAWI CITY -- Former Mayor Fahad Salic and his brother Solitario Ali and incumbent vice mayor Arafat Salic have decried accusations that they are drug lords and protectors in the city and Lanao del Sur based on the drugs watch list that President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview by phone on Monday morning, August 8, Salic lamented that his clan has been hurt when he has been named one of the drug lords and protector in Lanao del Sur.
“Walang kinalaman ang aming pamilya sa naturang isyu (illegal drugs). Gusto naming na maimbestigahan ng maigi upang linisin ang aming mga pangalan na nakataya dito. Kung mapapatunayan na kami ay may pagkakasala ay handa naming tanggapin ang ano mang parusa na ipapataw sa amin (Our family has nothing to do with the drugs issue. We want this thoroughly investigated to clear us as our names are at stake here. If it is proven that we have done wrong, we are ready to accept the punishment due us),” Salic said.
Salic’s relatives held a protest rally in Barangay Bangon on Monday, August 9.
Former Marawi city administrator Datu Jubair Macaumbos was surprised on the inclusion of former mayor Salic’s name in the drugs watchlist since the latter has been active in anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“He even killed suspected illegal drugs traders here,” Macaumbos said.
Macaumbos acccused Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. to be behind the giving of names of suspected drug lords in Marawi City.
However, Vice governor Adiong denied the accusation saying that President Duterte isn’t even his partymate. “If they (Salic) want my help, I am very much willing to help them. They aren’t just my relatives but in-laws as well,” Adiong said.
Adiong said he even helped former Marantao mayor Mohammad Ali Abinal in clearing the latter’s name from the list despite that he was my political opponent in the vice gubernatorial race.
“I even accompany them to President Duterte and Police Director General Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa."
Adiong furthered that if one needs his help, they shouldn’t hesitate to see him as he only wants to clear Lanao del Sur from this drug menace affecting Muslim communities.