Senate Blue Ribbon invites Duterte, EJK victims’ relatives for drug war probe

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, relatives of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) victims, and 30 others have been invited by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee to attend an investigation into the previous administration's anti-narcotics campaign.

The first hearing is set for Monday, October 28, with Senator Koko Pimentel presiding and Joel Villanueva as vice chair; both officials confirmed that the hearings will proceed regardless of Duterte’s attendance.

Key personalities during the drug war, including former Sen. Leila de Lima and retired Police Col. Royina Garma, are also on the list of invitees, along with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, who is set to attend the hearing alongside Duterte and Dela Rosa.

Villanueva emphasized that the investigation will begin with a clean slate, aiming for thoroughness and impartiality without any preconceived biases, while Pimentel said he aims to complete the probe before year-end.

Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa confirmed on Saturday that Duterte will attend the hearing on Monday, adding that the Senate probe should be conducted parallel to the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) investigation.