DDS hitman Matobato seeks witness protection abroad

Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed former assassin for the Davao Death Squad (DDS), is now under protective custody outside the Philippines after serving as a witness to extrajudicial killings.

In interviews, Matobato detailed his firsthand experience and involvement in killings carried out by the DDS, stating that over a thousand individuals were killed in the drug war campaign in both Davao and Metro Manila.

He revealed that assassins were sent from Davao City to Manila to execute killings, emphasizing the widespread nature of these brutal acts.

Matobato's testimony has been crucial in investigations into extrajudicial killings that occurred during the previous administration.

Father Flavie Villanueva of Project Paghilom, who guided Matobato during his seven years in hiding and continues to support him, shared the role of conscience in Matobato's decision to become a whistleblower.

Matobato stated that he believes he has been allowed to live to speak the truth about his own actions as a killer.