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'Davao Death Squad' term coined by media, Dela Rosa claims
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa denies any involvement with or knowledge of the "Davao Death Squad" (DDS), asserting the term was propagated by the media to describe alleged killings of drug personalities.
His statement follows claims by former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, who affirmed the DDS's existence in an affidavit to a congressional committee.
Dela Rosa, a former Davao City police chief, stated he never supported or condoned such a group and would prosecute anyone involved if found.
He questioned the existence of scenarios where notes stating "This is DDS" were left beside corpses.
Dela Rosa suggested that the media helped popularize the term "DDS" due to its coverage of such killings.
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Retired Police Colonel Royina Garma testified before the House QuadComm regarding the alleged "Davao Death Squad" (DDS) and her personal experiences with a cash reward system for eliminating crime suspects during her time as a police officer in Davao City.
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted to forming a seven-man "hit squad" composed of gangsters in Davao City during his time as mayor.
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted under oath that he instructed police to "encourage" suspects to fight back to justify their killing, a tactic he explained as a way to avoid legal repercussions based on his experience as a criminal law instructor.
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