The House Quad Committee (Quadcom) has recommended the filing of crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and several police officials for alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to the drug war during Duterte’s administration.
Quadcom Chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte presented a 43-page report summarizing evidence and testimonies gathered from 13 legislative hearings. The report, adopted by the House of Representatives, cited violations under Republic Act 9851, the Philippine law addressing crimes against international humanitarian law and other grave offenses.
The report also implicated former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, police officers Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, and Herminia Espino, a Palace aide.
Barbers stated that Duterte admitted to key aspects of his drug war, including the existence of the controversial Davao Death Squad and a reward system for police officers involved in EJKs. Duterte also reportedly acknowledged using excess campaign funds to finance these rewards, potentially breaching election regulations.
The committee report criticized Duterte’s unverified claims of “four million drug users” to justify the drug war, highlighting findings from the Dangerous Drugs Board showing only a minimal decline in drug use during his term.
Former Senator Leila De Lima, who attended the hearings as a resource person, emphasized that systematic killings under the drug war meet the definition of crimes against humanity under the law.
The Quadcom also uncovered links between illegal drugs, money laundering, and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). It proposed legislative measures, including the classification of EJKs as heinous crimes, the prohibition of POGOs, and enhanced laws to curb money laundering and protect witnesses.
Barbers further recommended reinstating the death penalty for drug-related crimes and creating an independent agency to investigate EJKs.
