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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Walden Bello a 'narcopolitician', says HNP

Walden Bello a 'narcopolitician', says HNP

Published Mar 21, 2022 10:58 pm

A "narcopolitician" and a "danger to peace and order".

That's how regional political party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) described vice presidential candidate, former congressman Walden Bello following his tirades against Davao City and its mayor, Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (left) and Walden Bello. Both are vying for the vice presidency in the May 2022 polls (Photos from Facebook)

"Based on the claims made by Mr. Bello during the Comelec-sponsored vice presidential debates on March 20, it’s apparent that he holds information about the illegal drugs in Davao but deliberately kept it from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)," HNP said in a statement Monday, March 21.

"It can be said that Mr. Bello is a narcopolitician in a way that he withheld information crucial in the government’s anti-drug campaign," added the south-based HNP, a party closely associated with Mayor Duterte.

Mayor Duterte, who is also vying for the vice presidency, is the daughter of President Duterte. The elder Duterte, also a former city mayor, is known for his hardline stance against illegal drugs.

On Sunday, Bello tagged Davao City as the "drug center" of Southern Philippines. He also insinuated that Mayor Duterte had some complicity.

"Davao as the drug center of the south under the control of a member of a Duterte family. My god, this is something... we need to bring this out so that the people can examine the record of Sara Duterte," the outspoken Bello was quoted as saying.

HNP said it has already sought an investigation "into the extent of Mr. Bello’s knowledge and involvement in the illegal drug trade in Davao City."

"As a vice presidential candidate in a narcopolitics, as someone who knowingly and purposely refused to disclose information or cooperate with the authorities, Mr. Bello has just presented himself as a danger to peace and order and a threat to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government," the party said.

Regarding Bello's allegations, HNP said: "HNP takes this information seriously as a regional party with incumbent elected official members who want to strengthen our coordination with law enforcement agencies fighting the proliferation of prohibited drugs."

Mayor Duterte is now the chairperson of national party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), although she still maintains close ties with HNP.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte-Carpio 32122 drug center debate vice presidential narcopolitician danger peace and order Comelec Walden Bello HNP
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