House panel seeks answers on EJKs, Davao template

1-Rider party-list Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez stated that members of the House of Representatives' quad committee will ask 'educated questions' regarding investigations into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and other issues.

Gutierrez's comments come after former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed openness to attend future hearings, despite his name being mentioned in discussions about EJKs.

The lawmaker emphasized that the quad committee is carefully investigating the three main issues without making premature accusations based on mentions of names like Duterte’s.

During recent hearings, Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza testified about retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo's involvement in a planned killing of Wesley Barayuga, who was allegedly linked to illegal drug activities.

Another inmate, Leopoldo Tan, claimed that Duterte ordered the murder of three Chinese individuals inside a Davao prison, with Bureau of Corrections official S/Supt. Gerardo Padilla later corroborating this testimony.

The quad committee is expected to further explore the alleged 'Davao template' in hearings resuming on Friday.

Several cases have been filed against Duterte and his officials at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity related to mass killings.