(Eagle News) — Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. surrendered to Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday, hours after Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority operatives raided his house and seized around P5 million worth of shabu and drug paraphernalia.
In a statement, Pacquiao said Lopez, who he said managed to “sneak out” of his house in Barangay Lumasal during the PDEA raid around 3 a.m., sent feelers he wanted to surrender afterwards, before lunchtime.
“When he called up, I advised him to surrender. Dapat niyang harapin ang anumang kasong isasampa laban sa kanya,” Pacquiao said.
According to the PDEA, Lopez went straight to the congressman’s house, where they were already waiting.
Pacquiao said Lopez was turned over to PDEA director general Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino around noon.
Criminal charges will be filed against the mayor, who authorities said was the head of a drug syndicate that backs the New People’s Army and Ansar Khalifa.
