Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil encouraged his predecessors who served under the previous administration to state their roles in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Marbil issued his statement Sunday in response to the testimony of retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma, who revealed that Duterte rewarded cops for every drug suspect killed during his term.
In a new affidavit executed during the House Quad Committee on Friday, Garma said Duterte and high-ranking PNP officials during sanctioned covert operations replicating Davao City’s model of extrajudicial killings on a national scale.
“We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” Marbil said.
Marbil added that the probe is crucial for the PNP to restore the public’s trust as it conducts a “recalibrated anti-drug campaign aimed at prioritizing human rights.”
Garma also disclosed that Duterte allegedly contacted her about the creation of a national task force, and among the key figures in implementing the reported scheme was Colonel Edilberto Leonardo.
She also said Leonardo allegedly “conducted briefings” for all Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officials, PNP chiefs, and regional directors “regarding operations.”
“Additionally, if any individual died during police operations, Leonardo reported the incident to Bong Go for inclusion in his weekly report and requests for refunds of operational expenses,” Garma said
during the hearing on October 11.
“Leonardo had the final authority to determine who would be included on the list of drug personalities and to classify their threat levels, as well as the discretion to remove individuals from the list,” she added.
Marbil assured the public of their commitment to uphold human rights and accountability, adding that measures would be implemented “to strengthen public confidence and prevent similar abuses in future operations.”
Meanwhile, Garma said she would reveal more details and names in an executive session with the House Quad Committee.
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