MANILA - The mayor of Lucena, Quezon denied Monday any links to the illegal drug trade amid reports that he is related to a suspected drug lord.

Speaking to radio DZMM, Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala blamed his political rival for reviving accusations that he is involved in narcotics.

"This is politically motivated, this all came out during the elections. Even after the elections, my rival is saying that the [precinct count optical scan] machines were manipulated," he said.

Alcala, 44, confirmed that he is the nephew of Cirilo Alcala, a suspected drug lord who remains at large.

Cirilo is the brother of former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

"Si Cirilo Alcala ito po ay tiyo natin," the Lucena mayor said.

"Isa lang ang kasalanan natin diyan. Hindi kasi tayo pwede mamili ng ating kamag-anak pero sapul nung tayo ay ma-elect, ako ay laban sa iligal na droga."

He also said he has a standing order to law enforcers to arrest any person involved in illegal drugs.

Several drug pushers have already been arrested or killed in Lucena as a result of the city's anti-drug campaign.

"Wala tayong kamag-anak at kaibigan kapag ang problema ay illegal drugs. Dapat hulihin at arestuhin," he said.

He added: "Marami na ang nasuko at may ilan na nadidisgrasya."