Philippine mayor, 6 others killed in drug raids

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) – The mayor of Ozamis and six others were killed early Sunday in police raids at private residences, according to media reports.

Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his wife, a provincial official and media personalities were among the dead, said a local radio station.

While attempting to serve search warrants for illegal narcotics and firearms at homes belonging to the Parojinogs, police were “met with volley of fire from their security”, prompting police to return fire, police chief Timoteo Pacleb said in a statement.

Vice mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, who is Parojinog’s daughter, and her sibling, were also arrested, Pacleb added.

Firearms and methamphetamines were recovered from the houses, media reports said..

The Parojinogs are included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of those allegedly linked to illegal drug trade.

The family has repeatedly denied the allegations.