OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines- The mayor of Ozamiz City has admitted that his daughter Nova Princess Parojinog is in a relationship with convicted drug lord Herbert Colangco. However, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. stressed that he disapproves of the relationship and has denied having family or business ties with the top tier drug lord, reports Inquirer.
“I welcome any investigation so that I will have the opportunity to clear my name,” Parojinog told LOCAL REPORTERS on Saturday, July 9.
Parojinog made the clarification after a Facebook post alleging Nova, the current vice mayor of Ozamiz City, of seducing Colangco in order to gain access to the biggest drug lords in the Philippines. The circulating post also claims that Nova maintains a sexual relationship with General Leocadio Santiago to protect her illegal dealings. Reportedly, the older Parojinog is aware of Nova’s “dirty works”.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that Colangco is the son-in-law of Parojinog.
However, Parojinog denied this saying that his daughter could never be married to Colangco since her marriage to former PBA player Edgar Echavez was just recently annulled.
Saying that accusations linking him to illegal drugs is baseless, Parojinog said he previously led anti-illegal drug operations when he served as the president of the Association of Barangay Councils and mayor of the city since 2001.
Since 2009, high profile inmate Colangco has been serving time at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons after being linked to several bank robberies. According to Duterte, Colangco, along with another inmate, has been running an illegal drug business from inside jail.
Ozamiz City Officials Introduces “Oplan Tokhang”
“Oplan Tokhang”, derived from words toktok and hanyo or knock and plead, has been introduced in Ozamiz City after its officials vowed to crush illegal drugs in the area.
The concerted effort of the the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the police, other government offices and the local government plans to eliminate the selling and using of illegal drugs, particularly shabu, by urging users and pushers to stop getting involved in illegal activities and changing their ways.