A HOUSE committee, the Quad Committee, has recommended charges of crimes against humanity against former president Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, two former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs, and four other high-ranking officers. This recommendation follows a 43-page report detailing an investigation into over 30,000 alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s “war on drugs.”
The report, compiled from thirteen hearings, cites evidence, including testimony from former Duterte aide Royina Garma, detailing a reward system incentivizing EJKs, the existence of the Davao Death Squad, and the killing of Chinese drug lords on Duterte’s orders.
Former president Duterte’s admission of responsibility for the drug war and confirmation of the reward system further strengthens the committee’s case.
The committee challenges the Dangerous Drugs Board’s assessment that the drug war only slightly reduced drug use, suggesting the initial figures were inflated to justify the killings.
The report also highlights the damage caused by the unvalidated “Duterte Narco List” and investigates links between Duterte associates and illegal POGO operations.
The committee proposes four new bills to address legislative gaps and recommends amending or revising numerous existing laws to prevent future abuses. They also call for the creation of an independent body to investigate EJKs.
metrosundaily
