EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin today dismissed any connection between Malacañang and self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato, who has reportedly left the Philippines.
Responding to inquiries from the Malacañang Press Corps regarding recent New York Times reports of Matobato’s departure with his family, Bersamin stated unequivocally, “We have no connection with Mr. Matobato. Whatever his reasons for leaving, it’s beyond our control.”
The Executive Secretary’s statement specifically addressed questions surrounding Matobato’s potential testimony against the drug war policies of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Bersamin clarified that Malacañang neither encouraged nor discouraged Matobato’s actions.
“We neither encouraged nor discouraged him,” Bersamin said. The statement effectively distances the current administration from Matobato’s departure and any potential legal ramifications.
