WHY is the government appointing a drug lord to negotiate with the Maute Group, which is behind the months-long Marawi siege?
This was the question posed by opposition senators as Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan wondered why former Marawi City mayor Omar Solitario Ali was named Maute group negotiator.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself has earlier named Ali as one of the politicians included in his "narco list."
"Akala ko ba galit ang administrasyon sa iligal na droga pero bakit nila hinahayaan ang isang drug lord para makipagnegosasyon sa Maute group?" said Pangilinan.
(I thought the administration is mad against illegal drugs but why would they allow a drug lord to negotiate with the Maute group)
Ali is also accused of being a financier of the Maute group, which laid siege to Marawi City since May 23.
Last June 23, or a month into the Marawi siege, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) in Mindanao recovered two kilograms of shabu worth about P10 million and other drug paraphernalia at Ali's house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also the concurrent martial law administrator, said he ordered the removal of Ali from the list of persons ordered arrested under martial law for alleged rebellion as recommended by Peace Adviser Secretary Jess Dureza.
"Kung prayoridad ng administrasyon ang gera kontra droga, dapat managot ang lahat ng may kinalaman sa drug trade, pati ang mga kaalyado ng Presidente," Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino added.
(If the war against drugs is the administration's priority, everyone involved in drug trade should be held liable, including the President's allies.)
Aquino insisted that the government should be transparent in its dealings with Ali so he will not escape liability in connection with his illegal drugs case.
"We are willing to accept any help that the government can get to end the Marawi siege once and for all. However, this should not be used as reason to exonerate Solitario of the rebellion and drug charges filed against him," said Senate Minority Leader Senator Frank Drilon.
Furthermore, he said cases filed against Solitario should be pursued to prove that the government is serious in prosecuting those involved in illegal drugs. (SunStar Philippines)