Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom: No Truth to narco-politico tag

COTABATO CITY --- At daybreak last August 7 at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, President Rodrigo Duterte uncovered the list of politicians, judges, and law enforcers who he said are allegedly involved in illegal drugs.  

He said the names on the list, which includes some of his friends, have been validated by the police and military. However, the allegations might not be true.

One of those in the narco-list, Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao, in a radio interview, denied allegations of involvement in illegal drugs.

When the news broke out, he immediately presented himself to the custody of the provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Maguindanao, Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, to clear his name and to attest his drug-free profile.

He was also caught off-guard when his name appeared on the list of political figures suspected of involvement in illegal narcotics.

“My wife and I immediately went to Camp Crame along with the police officers directed to escort us and together with the other officials who were included in President Duterte’s list. We presented ourselves to PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. In the caucus, we were asked of our names, from which municipality we belong, and why we were there. The investigating team also asked us on why our names were included on the list,” recalled Dimaukom.

He said he has been actively waging war against illegal drugs even before President Duterte was elected the chief executive in May and that his involvement on the alleged drug trade is purely political harassment.

“The attack is not only directed on me or my family but on the people and the entire municipality as well… and I won’t let this defamation ruin us,” Dimaukom said.

When asked if a search warrant will be ordered for further investigation, he confidently said he will fully cooperate with the authorities to immediately clear his name so that he will be given the opportunity to present his side and prove his innocence.

He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Datu Saudi Ampatuan for showing their full support on his innocence despite being erroneously tagged as a “narco-politician.” (CHRISTINE BERNADETTE F. ALMOITE-MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CLEAN SHEET --- Town folks of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, among them  representing the religious and elderly sectors, municipal government staff and employees, and supporters welcome and cheer the return home for resumption of work of their mayor, Samsudin Utto Dimaukom, Al-hadj and Vice Mayor Bai Anida Abas Dimaukom, Al-hadja from Camp Crame, Quezon City where the duo, among other local government executives, cleared their name from the narco-list as they vowed their all-out  support in the war against illegal drug activities. (ANNE B. ACOSTA-MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CLEAR --- Supporters, including school children, in so loving their mayor and vice mayor, express their confidence in the non-involvement of their leaders in illegal narcotic engagement, citing projects that promote the common good of the constituency. (ANNE B. ACOSTA-MINDANAO EXPOSE’)