Mrs. Odicta says she was born in year of Dragon, but is not 'Dragon'

MANILA – Alleged drug lord Melvin Odicta and his wife met with Interior Secretary Mike Sueno on Thursday and denied they are involved in the illegal drug trade in Iloilo.

In an advisory early Thursday, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the Odictas would surrender to Sueno at 2 p.m. at Camp Crame in Quezon City to share their version of a “drug matrix” involving lawmakers and local officials.

However, Sueno said the couple's main reason for seeking an audience was to deny any involvement in illegal drugs.

Odicta’s wife said that while she is known as “Dragon” in her area, it is because she was born in the year of the Dragon and not because of any ties to illegal drugs, Sueno said.

Mr. Odicta believes he is now suspected of being a drug lord because of his successful business enterprises, such as taxis, restaurants, pawnshops, and gas stations.

Sueno said that despite the couple’s denials, investigation by the CIDG is ongoing to verify their claims.

The Odictas, Sueno said, went to Manila because they felt threatened in Iloilo.

“Marami daw pumupunta sa kanila na nananakot…baka mapapatay kayo,” said Sueno.

“They are fearing for their lives, so they went to the Regional Director [of the Philippine National Police], who told them to present themselves to [Director General Ronald] Dela Rosa.”

However, instead of going to Dela Rosa, the couple decided to go to Sueno as he is also an Ilonggo who can best understand them, the interior secretary said.

Sueno said the Odictas gave the CIDG some documents, but added the information was "confidential."