Report: Ampatuans involved in narcopolitics in ARMM?

THE Ampatuans and other powerful political families in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao could be “engaged in narco politics, jueteng and other illegal sources of wealth,” according to the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG).

The Center which advocates good governance has posted on its website a report detailing the extent of the influence of the Ampatuans and their role in the administration of President Arroyo.

In its 2007 report about political dynasties and their sources of wealth, the Center cited that aside from their various business interests, the Ampatuans are allegedly into the business of narco politics or drug lords financing the election campaigns of political candidates “in exchange for the protection of drug syndicates.”

But Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director Dionisio Santiago said while they have received reports of narco politics in ARMM, he refused to identify the personalities involved.

“Huwag na nating tukuyin,” he tersely said in a text message.

But PDEA sources said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier blamed an Ampatuan official, a mayor for tolerating narco politics in his town.

“May natukoy na siya na drug protector na isang Ampatuan din,” the official said.