House panel recommends charges against ex-President Duterte, Bato, Bong Go

National

THE House Quad Committee (QuadCom) on Wednesday, Dec. 18, recommended filing crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, and several former police officials for their alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the controversial drug war under Duterte’s administration.

QuadCom Chair Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers presented a 43-page report detailing evidence and testimonies collected from 13 hearings into the EJKs, illegal drug activities, and criminal operations linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

The House of Representatives formally adopted the committee’s findings during a plenary session.

The report proposes charges under Republic Act 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, which covers crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity.

Those implicated include former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, as well as other key officials such as Colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo.

Barbers highlighted that Duterte admitted to key aspects of the drug war, including the existence of the notorious Davao Death Squad and a reward system for police officers involved in EJKs.

Duterte also allegedly used leftover campaign funds to finance these operations, violating election rules.

The report criticized Duterte’s claim of “four million drug users” in the country, stating it lacked any factual basis and was inflated to justify the widespread killings.

A study by the Dangerous Drugs Board found only a modest decline in drug use during the drug war.

The committee also revealed links between POGOs, money laundering, and illegal drug activities, with investigations pointing to Duterte allies, including his son Paolo Duterte and former economic adviser Michael Yang, in drug smuggling operations.

In response, the committee has proposed legislative reforms, including classifying EJKs as heinous crimes, banning POGOs, and creating a new inter-agency body to investigate EJKs and strengthen police accountability.

The report also called for amendments to several laws, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act, to close legal loopholes.(CMM)