Police ready to testify against past officials over human rights

Active and retired police officials have expressed willingness to testify against past administration officials regarding human rights violations, according to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers.

Barbers stated that many officers are willing to provide information to the quad-committee investigating illegal activities in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) hubs and their links to drug trade and extrajudicial killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte's rule.

The quad-committee will vet prospective witnesses and assess the information they have, allowing them to testify either publicly or privately during executive sessions if it involves national security concerns.

Barbers emphasized that all who wish to reveal the truth before committee hearings are welcome and would be accommodated by the panel.

Representative Barbers leads one of four committees tasked with investigating these issues under House Resolution No. 1880, along with other committee heads focusing on different aspects of the investigation.