FORMER National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo
FORMER National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo showed signs of being a witness regarding the story of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma about the cash reward for each killed individual in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
This comes after one of the chairmen of the four House committees investigating the war on drugs stated that Garma’s revelation needs to be further strengthened.
“We had an initial talk… He asked that we talk to him. Initially speaking, he already has an intention to, okay, he will detail the others,” said Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante about Leonardo.
Leonardo resigned from his position at Napolcom during the hearing.
“Although we are not sure about that. It’s up to him,” he added.
Abante is the chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights.
According to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Garma’s testimony on how former President Rodrigo Duterte wanted the killing of drug personalities to be rewarded with cash incentives needs to be supported by the statements of other individuals.
“We are waiting for other witnesses to corroborate so that his revelation will carry weight,” said Barbers.
“It doesn’t mean that just because he revealed or submitted an affidavit to us, we will believe it 100%,” he added.
Barbers was referring to the Davao model narrated by Garma in the House Quad Committee investigation into drug war deaths, where she mentioned that the reward for each killed person, depending on the profile, ranges from P20,000 to P1 million per head.
“There must be a testimony from another witness that will corroborate this. Or there should be documentary evidence that Garma mentioned that can be submitted to the committee to corroborate her revelation,” said Barbers.
The House Quad Comm wants to invite the personalities mentioned by Garma, including the former president, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, and “Muking.”
“We took note of all these names so that we will invite them in the next Quadcom hearings.”
