House panel recommends murder charges for Duterte over Chinese killings

The House of Representatives quad committee has recommended filing murder complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and several other individuals in connection with the alleged killings of three Chinese nationals at Davao Prison and Penal Farm on August 13, 2016.

Self-confessed hitman Leopoldo Tan testified that he and another individual were hired to kill Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan, and Wong Meng Pin, and claimed that Duterte congratulated Jail Superintendent Gerardo Padilla after the killings.

The quad committee also recommended charges against Duterte for violations of Republic Act No. 9851, which pertains to crimes against international humanitarian law.

Former President Duterte's ex-officials, including Harry Roque, dismissed Tan's claims and accused the quad committee's investigation of being politically motivated.

Additionally, the committee recommended other cases against former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and NAPOLCOM commissioner Edilberto Leonardo for their alleged involvement in the murder of Wesley Barayuga, a former PCSO board secretary.