Duterte and Allies Face Charges for Crimes Against Humanity
House Panel Recommends Charges Against Duterte, Allies in Drug War Probe
Former President Duterte and Senators Dela Rosa, go Named in Report on Extrajudicial Killings
Washington, D.C. – A House of Representatives panel investigating the Philippines’ controversial war on drugs has recommended criminal charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte and his close allies, including Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go.The House quad-committee, led by Rep.Robert Ace Barbers, released a partial report Wednesday, December 18th, detailing its findings on the alleged links between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (pogos), extrajudicial killings, money laundering, and the Duterte administration’s brutal anti-drug campaign.
“the quad-committee likewise recommends the filing of appropriate charges against the following personalities,” Barbers stated, naming Duterte, Dela Rosa, and Go as “perpetrators of crimes against humanity” under the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes against humanity.
Dela Rosa served as Duterte’s National Police Chief during the launch of the drug war in 2016, while Go was Duterte’s special assistant.
The committee also recommended further investigation into Rep.Paolo Duterte, son of the former president, for alleged ties to the illegal drug trade.
Reward System Allegations Rock Hearings
The quad-committee’s investigation, which began in August, has been marked by explosive revelations. Former police colonel Royina Garma testified that Duterte implemented a reward system during the drug war, essentially a “slay-for-pay” scheme that incentivized the killing of suspected drug users and dealers. This claim was corroborated by retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo, another former trusted officer of Duterte.
Duterte Takes Duty
During a November 13th hearing, Duterte himself appeared before the committee and took full responsibility for the actions taken during his drug war.
The committee’s report also recommends further investigation into several individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, including Hong Ming Yang, Wei Xiong Lin, Charlie Tan, and Sammy Uy.
calls for Legislative Reform
In addition to recommending charges, the quad-committee has proposed at least 30 legislative measures aimed at strengthening legal frameworks and preventing future abuses.
“Mr. Speaker, in total we have recommended at least 30 proposed legislations,” Barbers said. “These measures aim to strengthen our legal frameworks and ensure that such abuses and misdeeds are prevented in the future.”
The House panel’s findings and recommendations were approved by Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, who directed the secretary general to submit the report to relevant agencies.
The report marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of Duterte’s drug war,which has been widely criticized by human rights groups for its alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
Former Philippine President Duterte Faces Potential Charges Over Deadly Drug War
Washington, D.C. - A U.S. House of Representatives panel investigating the Philippines’ controversial war on drugs has recommended criminal charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte and key allies over alleged extrajudicial killings. The House quad-committee, led by Representative robert Ace Barbers, released a partial report on December 18th, outlining its findings on the alleged connection between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings, money laundering, and the Duterte governance’s brutal anti-drug campaign.
The committee designates Duterte, alongside Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as “perpetrators of crimes against humanity” based on the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other crimes Against Humanity.Dela Rosa served as Duterte’s National Police Chief during the launch of the drug war in 2016,while go was Duterte’s special assistant. The panel also recommends further inquiry into Representative Paolo Duterte, son of the former president, for alleged ties to the illegal drug trade.
Explosive revelations emerged during the committee’s investigation, which began in August. Former police colonel Royina Garma testified that Duterte implemented a reward system incentivizing the killing of suspected drug users and dealers. This claim was corroborated by retired police colonel edilberto Leonardo, another former trusted officer of Duterte.
Duterte himself appeared before the committee on November 13th, taking responsibility for the actions taken during his drug war.
The committee’s report suggests further investigation into several individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, including hong Ming Yang, Wei Xiong Lin, charlie Tan, and Sammy uy.
Beyond recommending charges, the quad-committee proposed at least 30 legislative measures aimed at strengthening legal frameworks and preventing future abuses. The report was approved by Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “duke” Frasco,directing the secretary general to submit it to relevant agencies.
This report marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of Duterte’s drug war, which has faced extensive criticism from human rights groups for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.