PNP investigates Duterte's Davao Death Squad claims

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Wednesday that it would investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte's statements about a 'Davao Death Squad' during his tenure as Davao City mayor.

During a Senate hearing on Monday, Oct. 28, Duterte admitted to organizing a seven-man hit squad but later retracted the claim and stressed he had not ordered summary killings.

PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo stated that despite Duterte's retractions, the PNP will continue its investigation using names provided by Duterte during Senate hearings.

Fajardo also mentioned that PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil has instructed personnel to review unsolved drug-related deaths for further investigation and stressed there are no 'sacred cows' if any officers are implicated.

Duterte admitted he had instructed policemen to 'encourage' suspects to fight back to justify their killings, which Fajardo said would be a clear violation of the Constitution and due process rights.