Duterte admits forming Davao hit squad

Former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted to forming a seven-man "hit squad" composed of gangsters in Davao City during his time as mayor.

He clarified that police officers were not directly involved to avoid complications, though he claimed several PNP chiefs he appointed, including Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, retired police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, retired Gen. Archie Gamboa, and retired Gen. Debold Sinas, headed "death squads."

Duterte explained that the term "death squad" was loosely used and that he did not order summary killings, but rather encouraged suspects to "fight" to justify police action.

The PNP announced it will investigate Duterte's alleged "Davao Death Squad" and will probe all information and testimonies from ongoing Senate and House investigations.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that the PNP is validating whether police officers were involved and assured that there will be no "sacred cows" if any are implicated.

Fajardo noted that while Duterte initially claimed the existence of a death squad, he later retracted his statement, but this will not stop the PNP's investigation.