Retired cop confirms drug war reward system

Retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo confirmed during Tuesday's House Quad Committee hearing and again on Wednesday morning that a rewards system existed under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration for killings related to the war on drugs.

Leonardo initially denied knowledge of the reward system but later corroborated retired police officer Royina Garma's testimony, confirming his agreement with her claims about financial incentives for cops involved in drug-related killings.

Garma testified earlier that Duterte contacted her in May 2016 to establish a task force based on the 'Davao template,' involving financial rewards ranging from P20,000 to P1 million for police officers who killed drug suspects.

Leaders of the House Quad Committee are now convinced that the reward system actually happened, despite previous denials by Duterte's administration and Leonardo’s initial reluctance.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairperson of the House committee on human rights, stated that Leonardo’s admission will form part of their committee report and may lead to a preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).