PHILIPPINE authorities should thoroughly investigate and prosecute officials involved in extrajudicial killings during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said last Thursday.
Since August 2024, joint hearings by the Philippine House of Representatives have examined allegations of extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.”
Testimony suggests the funds for these killings may have come from drug money and illegal gambling. Witnesses have implicated both former and current government officials, including the ex-head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and a sitting National Police Commission commissioner.
“The revelations of the Philippine congressional hearings on extrajudicial killings are downright horrifying,” said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at HRW.
“Philippine prosecutors should investigate the allegations and file appropriate charges against those responsible no matter their former or current position.”
On September 27, a witness alleged that Royina Garma, a former police colonel and ex-CEO of the PCSO, ordered the 2020 murder of Wesley Barayuga, the charity’s board secretary.
Barayuga had reportedly uncovered corruption within the lottery office involving Garma. Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza testified that he was instructed by Col. Edilberto Leonardo to plan Barayuga’s killing, alleging that Garma was behind the order.
Garma and Leonardo denied the allegations during the hearing.
Garma, a known close associate of Duterte, was previously implicated in the Davao death squad, which was linked to extrajudicial killings. Testimony also accused Garma of ordering the 2016 murder of three Chinese nationals held in prison.
The hearings have exposed widespread misuse of drug watch lists to target political opponents, with some officials, such as former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, fleeing the country due to threats against their lives.
Despite the widespread killings under Duterte’s administration, accountability has been limited, with only four cases resulting in convictions. HRW and other groups have urged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure justice for these abuses, while the International Criminal Court is investigating the killings prior to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“The Marcos administration needs to address the congressional testimony implicating senior officials,” Lau added. “Justice won’t be served unless there is genuine accountability.” (CBC)
