By Gabriel Kim Leal
(November 4, 2024) – House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to fully investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal anti-drug campaign, despite resistance from Duterte’s allies.
In his opening remarks at the House session, Romualdez assured his fellow lawmakers that they would “stand their ground” and resist any efforts to obstruct the inquiry.
“Sa mga nagtatangka na pigilan tayo sa paghahanap ng katotohanan at katarungan, isa lamang ang sasabihin ko sa inyo: hindi kayo magtatagumpay sa masamang hangarin ninyo,” said Romualdez in a statement.
“Dahil unti-unti na nating nakikita ang liwanag at katotohanan, asahan natin na lalo pang titindi ang pag-atake sa ating institusyon. Subalit hindi tayo matitinag. Hindi tayo papayag na muling bumalik ang panahon ng kadiliman at kasamaan.”
Romualdez urged lawmakers to continue working “without fear or favor,” standing “on the right side of history.”
In last month’s quad committee hearing in the House of Representatives, former police officer Royina Garma alleged that Duterte and other high-ranking officials sanctioned covert operations that escalated extrajudicial killings nationwide.
Garma revealed that a special task force, reportedly comprising graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy classes of 1996 and 1997, carried out these operations.
She also confirmed the existence of the infamous Davao Death Squad.
“Although I did not know the identities of these teams, a culture of silence prevailed among police officers in Davao regarding such matters,” said Garma.
In a Senate hearing, Duterte admitted to forming a seven-man squad as Davao City mayor but denied tapping police officers.
He clarified that “death squad” was a term loosely used and claimed all former national police chiefs, including Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, had led similar groups.
However, Duterte denied ordering summary executions, stating that he only instructed the police to provoke resistance during arrests, which could then justify the killings.
The investigation has since drawn criticism from Duterte’s allies, including Dela Rosa and former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque.
Despite the backlash, Romualdez expressed his support for the committee members, particularly its younger members referred to as the “Young Guns.”
“We will not yield to intimidation or pressure. We will not be swayed by the attacks hurled against us. Instead, we will press on with even greater resolve, knowing that the people are behind us, that history will remember our courage,” added Romualdez.
The next quadcom hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 7.
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