TINGOG Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre minced no words as he expressed his anticipation for more explosive revelations from retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma. Her testimonies have begun to expose the inner workings of what may be one of the most controversial and violent operations in recent Philippine history: the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs.
Garma, a key figure close to former President Duterte, revealed in her affidavit to the House Quad Committee a chilling picture of how extrajudicial killings (EJKs) were incentivized, laying the groundwork for a reward system that allegedly came from Duterte himself. She also pointed a finger at Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for his involvement in these operations.
“Her testimonies lay bare what many have feared: that the so-called war on drugs wasn’t just a campaign against crime—it was a state-sanctioned bloodbath,” Acidre said. “The details we are hearing are appalling, and it is clear that this wasn’t an anti-drug campaign—it was a systematic execution plan with rewards for killings.”
Garma, who was appointed PCSO General Manager by Duterte after her early retirement from the police, revealed how she was instructed by Duterte to help find a police officer who could replicate the deadly “Davao Model” nationwide—an operation where police officers were rewarded for killing suspects. She recommended Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo, who later led a task force that, according to Garma, operated with impunity under Duterte’s directive.
“These revelations are shocking, but unfortunately, they aren’t surprising. The Duterte administration was known for its violent rhetoric, but we are now seeing how deeply entrenched this violence was in the institutions themselves,” Acidre said. “Garma’s testimony doesn’t just implicate rogue officers—it implicates the highest levels of government, including Duterte and Go.”
According to Garma, Leonardo submitted a proposal for the nationwide operation directly to Duterte through Go, detailing the reward system that incentivized killings. Leonardo reportedly kept a close line of communication with Go, ensuring that every fatality was reported and all operational costs were reimbursed.
“We are talking about a reward system for murder. This isn’t governance; this is criminal,” Acidre added. “The fact that such a system existed—and that it was reported directly to figures like Go—proves that this wasn’t a war on drugs, but a war on the most vulnerable in our society.”
The next House Quad Committee hearing is scheduled for October 22, where Acidre expects even more damaging details to emerge from Garma’s testimonies and other key witnesses. He called for a full, unrelenting investigation to hold all involved accountable.
“Tingog Partylist demands justice for every victim of these operations, and we will not stop until every individual responsible—no matter how powerful—is held accountable,” Acidre said. “The blood of thousands cries out for justice, and we will not turn a blind eye.”
Acidre urged the public to remain vigilant, as further revelations will likely uncover the depth of corruption and violence that was embedded in the government during Duterte’s presidency. “The Filipino people deserve the truth, and those responsible must face the consequences,” he concluded.
