Mandaluyong mayoralty bet falls in anti-drug ops in Pasig

Philippine anti-illegal drug operatives nabbed early Friday morning a mayoralty bet in Metro Manila following a sting operation in Pasig City. Reports identified the suspect as Ernest Albert Buan, a mayoralty candidate in Mandaluyong City, who was arrested about 3 a.m. by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). A candidate of Aksyon Demokratiko, Buan, 28, was apprehended reportedly during a buy-bust operation at the Tiendesitas shopping area in Pasig City. In a press statement, Aksyon Demokratiko executive director Mascardo Ramel expressed concern on the apprehension of Buan. "At this point, we wish to state categorically that we will never condone any illegal or immoral activities, most especially of our candidates. In fairness however, to Mr. Buan, we need to get to the bottom of the facts first to determine if the arrest had any basis or was a set-up for political reasons," Ramel said. "Should it become clear that the arrest was justified and not politically- motivated, we will not hesitate to withdraw our nomination in line with our mantra for change," he added. In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Buan's father Raul refused to elaborate on the incident, saying he was still conferring with their lawyer. The younger Buan is up against incumbent Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., who is seeking reelection under administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Aksyon Demokratiko, a party founded by the late Senator Raul Roco, has allied with the Liberal Party for this year's elections. The LP is fielding the tandem of Senators Noynoy Aquino III and Mar Roxas II . - RSJ, GMANews.TV