It is open to an investigation but the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has chosen not to comment on the statement of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Senate that he had a death squad when he was mayor of Davao City.
“Ang Davao City Police Office, sir, dili sa mi mag-comment with regards sa Davao Death Squad kay ongoing pa ang investigation… but the Davao City Police Office is open for any investigation,” said P/Cpt. Hazel Tuazon, Spokesperson of DCPO.
The alleged death squad was said to be responsible for killing drug suspects in Davao City and the model used in the drug war during Duterte’s term as President.
During a hearing of the Senate blue ribbon sub-committee on October 28, 2024, Duterte, a resource person, said:
“Meron akong death squad. Death squad, pito, pero hindi ito mga pulis. Sila rin yung mga gangster. Yung isang gangster utusan ko: Patayin mo yan kay kung hindi mo patayin yan, patayin kita ngayon.”
Senator Riza Hontiveros prodded the former President to disclose the names of the supposed members.
“Yung pangalan nung sabi niyo ng pitong tao na nasa death squad niyo,” she said.
Duterte said they might all have since passed away.
“Mukhang patay naman sila lahat ma’am,” he said.
Hontiveros prodded further for names.
“It’s okay, si. Ano po ang mga pangalan nila?”
Duterte replied:
“I am now 73. For the life of me, I cannot remember the name.”
Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. of the Sixth District of Manila said Duterte’s statements at the Senate may just usher in the filing of cases.
“His admission is significant as it highlights that cases are now ripe for filing against those responsible for the extrajudicial killings during the drug war,” Abante said. —GMA Regional TV
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