Duterte pledges P1M fund for cops in drug cases

Former President Rodrigo Duterte promised to create a P1-million fund to support policemen facing drug operation-related charges during a House of Representatives quad committee hearing on Wednesday.

Despite questioning from Rep. Dan Fernandez about his ability to afford the fund, Duterte reiterated his commitment and stated he would personally appear in court as defense counsel for police officers involved in drug operations.

Fernandez cited Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil's statement that 214 cops faced 766 criminal cases from July 2016 to June 2022 during Duterte's presidency, and also noted that 312 officers were killed and 974 wounded in the drug war.

Duterte responded by saying he had not received any requests for help but vowed his support, adding that he would start the fund immediately despite recent financial issues.

Former police official Royina Garma testified about a rewards system involving cash grants to cops who killed drug suspects, raising concerns about irregularities during Duterte's anti-drug campaign.