Panelo on alleged Duterte admission President was behind Loot ambush: That’s silly, ridiculous

(Eagle News)–The Palace on Wednesday, Sept. 18, denied President Rodrigo Duterte admitted having a hand in the 2018 ambush of former Daanbantayan, Cebu mayor Vicente Loot, whom he had accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade.

In an interview over GMA 7’s Unang Balita, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo described the claim as “silly and ridiculous.”

“Hindi niya inamin. Kung papakinggan mo yung salita niya, ang sinabi niya, ‘In-ambush kita.’ But don’t forget that this President is a Bisaya. Ang talagang sasabihin niya, in-ambush ka na, buhay ka pa,” Panelo said.

Panelo issued the clarification after  a GMA-7 media report said Duterte indicated he had a hand in the ambush when he said  “General Loot. P***ng i*a mo. Nanalo pa ng mayor. In-ambush kita, animal ka. Buhay pa rin” in a speech on Tuesday, Sept.  17.

The President has already repeatedly denied any involvement in the ambush of Loot, who was named one of the narco-generals by President Duterte in a public speech in 2016.

“If you will look at the previous transcripts of the President, ‘yun ang sinasabi niya ever since. Laging gan’un. Wala siyang inaamin,” Panelo said.