Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs should clarify their roles in the Duterte administration’s drug war, according to the organization’s top boss General Rommel Francisco Marbil.
He urged the ex-PNP chiefs on Sunday after retired police colonel Royina Garma alleged that former President Rodrigo Duterte and high-ranking PNP officials during his administration sanctioned covert operations replicating Davao City’s model of extrajudicial killings on a national scale.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Garma says Davao drug war template, rewards system applied in entire PH
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Class suspensions on Oct. 22 due to tropical storm Kristine NEWSINFO Tropical Storm Kristine slightly intensifies; Signal No. 2 in 5 areas NEWSINFO AFP reprimands cadet who asked for Marcos wrist watch“We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” Marbil said.
He 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.”
Article continues after this advertisementDuring the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee hearing last Friday, Oct. 11, Garma revealed a matrix suggesting the involvement or awareness of former PNP chiefs in covert operations.
Article continues after this advertisementIn her affidavit, 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.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Garma, Leonardo purportedly collaborated with Duterte and his aide, now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, to establish a new task force comprising of “liquidators” nationwide.
She also named several members of the Philippine National Police Academy classes of 1996 and 1997, whom she claimed participated in the operations.
Article continues after this advertisementShe 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 the PNP’s commitment to human rights and accountability, adding that measures would be implemented “to strengthen public confidence and prevent similar abuses in future operations.”
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Meanwhileheart games, Garma said she would reveal more details and names in an executive session with the House Quad Committee.
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