House Quad Committee recommends crimes against humanity charges for Duterte, Go, Dela Rosa, others

The House Quad Committee has recommended filing crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald Dela Rosa, and other police officials for their involvement in extrajudicial killings during the war on drugs.

Witness testimonies revealed a 'reward system' incentivizing police officers to kill drug suspects, with monetary rewards ranging from P20,000 to P1 million. Former Police Colonels Eduardo Acierto and Royina Garma testified about this system.

The committee also uncovered evidence linking Duterte to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, smuggling operations, and illicit activities within Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Former Senator Leila de Lima highlighted that despite advocating against crime and illegal drugs, Duterte's administration did not thoroughly investigate those close to him. The Quad Committee found evidence suggesting involvement of Duterte's relatives, including his son Paolo Duterte, in smuggling operations through the Bureau of Customs.

The committee also recommended filing charges for the killing of three Chinese drug lords inside Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016.

On Wednesday, December 18, the House quad committee unveiled its findings after 13 hearings, recommending similar charges against former police chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, drug war cops Edilberto Leonardo and Royina Garma, and Go's Palace aide Muking Espino.