House QuadComm seeks charges against Duterte, allies over drug war deaths

MANILA. The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) has recommended filing charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, and other key figures for alleged violations tied to the drug war deaths during the Duterte administration.

QuadComm’s Findings and Accusations

In its report released Wednesday, QuadComm, led by Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, accused Duterte and his allies of breaching Republic Act 9851, also known as the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

Among those found liable were former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, retired Police Colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, and former presidential assistant Irmina “Muking” Espino.

Barbers stated that the investigation uncovered a system of incentivizing extrajudicial killings of suspected drug personalities, modeled after the so-called “Davao template.” He added:

“The investigation brought to light a harrowing narrative of abuse of power and institutional impunity during the Duterte administration.”

The QuadComm hearings revealed testimonies and evidence alleging that monetary rewards ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million were issued for each drug suspect killed. Garma accused Duterte and his allies of orchestrating this reward system, with funding purportedly coming from the Palace through Leonardo and Espino.

Duterte and Allies Respond

Former President Duterte has maintained his stance, taking full responsibility for his administration’s anti-drug policies but denying culpability for each death. During the November 13 probe, he stated:

“I take full responsibility, but I cannot be guilty for every suspect killed.”

Senator Bato dela Rosa dismissed the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated:

“Talagang i-demolish ang mga Duterte at kanyang mga kaalyado. Sige lang. Harapin natin ’yan.”
(Their plan is clearly to demolish Duterte and his allies. Let’s face it.)

Senator Go echoed Duterte’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of public judgment:

“Let the Filipino people decide kung umayos ba ang peace and order sa bansa at nakabenepisyo ba sila noong panahon ni FPRRD.”
(Let the Filipino people decide if peace and order improved and if they benefited during FPRRD’s time.)

Meanwhile, former Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte welcomed investigations by impartial bodies, stating:

“I remain confident that the truth will expose the baseless nature of these accusations.”

Proposed Legislation

As part of its findings, QuadComm proposed several bills aimed at addressing issues related to extrajudicial killings and illegal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including:

• House Bill No. 10986: Classifying extrajudicial killings as heinous crimes with victim reparations.
• House Bill No. 10987: Prohibiting offshore gaming operations with severe penalties.
• House Bill No. 11117: Allowing administrative cancellation of fraudulently obtained birth certificates by foreign nationals.

Further Investigations

While recommending charges against Duterte and his allies, QuadComm called for deeper probes into other individuals allegedly involved in drug smuggling and crimes linked to POGOs. The committee identified figures such as Hong Ming Yang, alias Michael Yang, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

Barbers urged lawmakers to act on the report, stating:

“What was initially presented as a revenue-generating industry has become a breeding ground for illegal activities… Let us ensure these injustices are never repeated.”

The QuadComm findings, though controversial, have sparked calls for accountability. All eyes are now on the next steps by legislative and judicial bodies.