By Gabriel Kim Leal
(October 13, 2024) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday called on its former chiefs to clarify their alleged roles in the bloody war on drugs of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said they are not dismissing the claims of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma regarding Duterte’s supposed “reward system” for police officers who kill drug suspects.
“We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” said Marbil in a statement.
He didn’t mention names but the PNP chiefs under Duterte were Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, Archie Gamboa, Camilo Cascolan, Debold Sinas, Guillermo Eleazar, and Dionardo Carlos.
Garma added that Duterte and other top officials sanctioned covert operations linked to extrajudicial killings in Davao City when Duterte was still the mayor. She said the “Davao style” war on drugs was implemented nationwide when Duterte assumed the presidency.
Garma served as a police station commander in Davao City before becoming the chief of Cebu City Police.
Duterte appointed her to lead the PCSO just days after resigning from her post in Cebu City.
According to Garma, Edilberto Leonardo, who recently resigned as the commissioner of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), worked closely with then-presidential aide Bong Go in implementing Duterte’s brutal war on drugs. Go is now a senator.
Leonardo was with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at that time. He was later appointed by Duterte as the chief of the NAPOLCOM.
Garma furthered that a task force of so-called “liquidators” was formed, composed of PNP Academy graduates from the classes of 1996 and 1997.
The PNP affirmed its support to investigate Garma’s allegations.
“Our commitment to human rights and accountability is paramount. We must work diligently to regain the trust of the people and ensure that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law,” said Marbil.
He also vowed to strengthen the PNP’s internal measures.
“The PNP remains dedicated to upholding justice and restoring faith in its operations, reinforcing its commitment to protecting human rights in all aspects of our operations,” stressed Marbil.
(PM)
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