Mayor allegedly involved in drug trade surrenders to Pacquiao after escaping raid

ANECITO “Jojo” Lopez, Jr., mayor of Maasim town in Sarangani, surrendered to Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao after authorities raided Mr. Lopez’s seaside rest house at Lumasal Village in Maasim on Friday morning.

According to reports, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency allegedly seized some P5 million worth of suspected shabu and discovered a mini-shabu laboratory and a green book indicating details of drug transactions and money trail.

Mr. Lopez was able to escape the raid but subsequently sent out a feeler to the senator, stating that he would only surrender to Mr. Pacquiao, the senator said in a statement on Friday.

“When he called up, I advised him to surrender. We must face whatever case that will be charged against him,” Mr. Pacquiao said, adding he didn’t negotiate for his surrender.

Mr. Pacquiao had already turned over Mr. Lopez to PDEA director general Aaron Aquino on Friday noon in General Santos City.

“I’m not saying that Lopez is guilty. My point is, he should be given a chance to answer the charges that may be filed against him in court,” Mr. Pacquiao added.

According to the statement released by Mr. Pacquiao, Mr. Lopez is a known supporter of the senator.

Maasim is one of the seven towns of Sarangani, the home province of Mr. Pacquiao. — Mario A. Banzon