Police Col Grijaldo invokes right against self-incrimination before House committee

Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo Jr., who previously faced contempt citations, appeared before the House of Representatives quad committee on Tuesday for a new hearing.

During the session, Grijaldo invoked his right against self-incrimination when asked about allegations that Reps. Dan Fernandez and Bienvenido Abante Jr. pressured him to corroborate testimony regarding a reward system for extrajudicial killings during the drug war.

Quad Committee lead chairperson Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the incident will serve as a learning experience when speaking with witnesses, while Fernandez and Abante denied Grijaldo's claims that he was forced to confirm former Police Colonel Royina Garma's affidavit.

Barbers explained that it is common practice to vet the testimony of potential resource persons before they appear at hearings, and showed CCTV footage indicating no signs of coercion during a meeting with Grijaldo.

Grijaldo remains under House custody since December 14 and continues to face questions about the murder case of slain retired Police General Wesley Barayuga, whose investigation was reopened following testimony implicating former officials in the killing.