House panel probes retired cop's claims on Duterte, EJKs

The House quad committee is investigating retired Police Col. Royina Garma's affidavit implicating former President Rodrigo Duterte in extrajudicial killings and a nationwide cash reward system for the drug war.

House committee on human rights chairperson and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. believes Garma's statements are just the tip of the iceberg regarding her knowledge of EJKs during Duterte's term.

Abante urged Garma to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, stating that she should not cover up the sins of her former superiors.

Garma implicated retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo as the implementer of the "Davao model" drug war strategy, which she claims was recommended to Duterte.

The committee is also looking into Garma's alleged involvement in the supposed directive to assassinate retired police general Wesley Barayuga and his inclusion on the Duterte administration's narco-list.

Testimony from Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza suggests Leonardo asked him to find a hitman for Barayuga's assassination, with Garma allegedly funding the plan.

Representative Robert Ace Barbers urged Garma to fully disclose her knowledge of the alleged cash reward system and extrajudicial killings.

Barbers also wants Garma to reveal details about the murder of three Chinese drug lords inside the Davao prison in August 2016, as she has been implicated by witnesses.