Matobato Under ICC Protection, Testifies Against Duterte’s Drug War
Former DDS Hitman Now Under ICC Protection, Says De Lima
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Former Senator Leila de Lima revealed that self-confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) hitman Edgar Matobato is now under the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
de Lima, speaking in an interview with “Storycon” on One News, stated that Matobato left the Philippines in the second quarter of 2024 at the request of the ICC prosecutor. The prosecutor was seeking access to Matobato as part of the ongoing inquiry into the Duterte administration’s drug war and the alleged killings carried out by the DDS.
“Initially, the ICC was not trying to access him. Eventually they did, that’s why he had to leave to make it easier for the ICC to access him,” De Lima explained.
Former Philippine Official’s U.S. Testimony Sparks Speculation
Like another self-confessed DDS member, hitman Arturo Lascañas, Matobato is now in an undisclosed location under ICC protection. De Lima confirmed that she is unaware if Matobato has received limited immunity from ICC prosecution, similar to Lascañas. Though, she emphasized that both men’s claims have been thoroughly scrutinized by the ICC prosecutor.
“ICC vetted both already. It accepted (their testimonies),” De Lima added.
De Lima, a former justice secretary and chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), first presented Matobato as a witness against then-President Rodrigo Duterte during a Senate committee investigation in 2016. In 2017, Matobato’s lawyer filed a complaint with the ICC against Duterte and 11 other officials for alleged crimes against humanity.
De Lima, who was later arrested on drug charges that were ultimately dismissed, maintained that Matobato’s testimony was credible and crucial to understanding the extent of the alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s presidency.
Former Philippine Death Squad Hitman Under ICC Protection, May Testify in U.S.
Washington – A former member of a notorious Philippine vigilante death squad, Edgar Matobato, is now under the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and may testify before a U.S.congressional committee, according to former Senator Leila de lima.
Matobato, who claims to be a former hitman for the Davao Death Squad (DDS), gained notoriety in 2016 when he testified before the Philippine senate, accusing then-davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of orchestrating extrajudicial killings. Duterte, now the Philippine president, has repeatedly denied these allegations.
De Lima, a vocal critic of Duterte, revealed in a recent interview with “Storycon” on One News that Matobato left the Philippines in the second quarter of 2024 at the request of the ICC prosecutor. The prosecutor, she said, is seeking access to Matobato as part of the ongoing inquiry into the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Matobato’s potential testimony before a U.S. congressional committee has sparked speculation about the nature of his involvement in the ongoing investigations and could further escalate international pressure on the Duterte administration.The U.S. Congress has been increasingly vocal about human rights concerns in the Philippines, notably regarding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Matobato’s firsthand account could provide valuable evidence to support these concerns and possibly influence U.S. policy towards the Philippines.
While details about Matobato’s potential testimony remain scarce, his past allegations against Duterte have fueled intense scrutiny of the Philippine government’s human rights record.
De Lima believes that recent testimonies given by Duterte during separate Senate and House investigations will strengthen the ICC case.
“That’s admission against interest. They can really use that, that’s a very high form of evidence,” she said, referring to duterte’s statements confirming the existence of the DDS.
De Lima also pointed out inconsistencies in Duterte’s statements, suggesting they could be used against him.
“Why in the first place would you mention certain things and later take them back?” she questioned.
The Philippine government, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, has stated that it has no control over Matobato’s actions.
“We can’t say anything about that,because we have no connection with Mr. Matobato,” Bersamin told reporters. “Whatever his purpose in going out,we cannot control that. But, if he intends to go to testify in another forum, that’s also beyond our control. We don’t encourage nor discourage him.”
Former Duterte Hitman Relocated Under ICC Protection, Says De Lima
Ex-Senator Confirms Key witness in Drug War Crimes Probe is Now in Safe Location
Manila, Philippines – Edgar Matobato, a self-proclaimed member of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) who has accused former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in extrajudicial killings, has been relocated to an undisclosed location under the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to former Senator Leila de Lima.
De Lima, a vocal critic of Duterte’s drug war who was herself imprisoned for over six years on what manny considered politically motivated charges, confirmed Matobato’s relocation in a recent interview.
“Initially, the ICC was not trying to access him. Eventually they did, that’s why he had to leave to make it easier for the ICC to access him,” De Lima explained.
Like another self-confessed DDS member, hitman Arturo Lascañas, Matobato is now in a secure location under ICC protection. De Lima confirmed that she is unaware if Matobato has received limited immunity or other concessions in exchange for his cooperation with the ICC.
Matobato’s Testimony: A Potential Turning Point
Matobato’s testimony is potentially crucial to the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s presidency. He has previously alleged direct involvement in extrajudicial killings orchestrated by Duterte,then-mayor of Davao City. His firsthand account could provide vital evidence of the DDS’s operations and the alleged role of high-ranking officials.The ICC launched its investigation into the Philippines’ drug war in 2016, examining allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
De Lima: A champion for Justice
De Lima, who was acquitted of all drug-related charges in February 2023, remains a staunch advocate for accountability for the alleged human rights abuses that occurred during Duterte’s presidency. Her confirmation of Matobato’s relocation under ICC protection underscores her unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the drug war.
former DDS Hitman Under ICC Protection, May Testify in U.S.
Washington – A former member of a notorious Philippine vigilante death squad, Edgar Matobato, is now under the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and may testify before a U.S. congressional committee, according to former Senator Leila de Lima.
Matobato, who claims to be a former hitman for the davao Death Squad (DDS), gained notoriety in 2016 when he testified before the Philippine senate, accusing then-Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte of orchestrating extrajudicial killings. Duterte,now the philippine president,has repeatedly denied these allegations.
De Lima, a vocal critic of Duterte, revealed in a recent interview wiht “Storycon” on One News that Matobato left the Philippines in the second quarter of 2024 at the request of the ICC prosecutor. The prosecutor, she said, is seeking access to Matobato as part of the ongoing inquiry into the Duterte governance’s controversial war on drugs.
Matobato’s Testimony Could Escalate International Pressure
Matobato’s potential testimony before a U.S. congressional committee has sparked speculation about the nature of his involvement in the ongoing investigations and could further escalate international pressure on the Duterte administration. The U.S. Congress has been increasingly vocal about human rights concerns in the Philippines, notably regarding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Matobato’s firsthand account could provide valuable evidence to support these concerns and possibly influence U.S. policy towards the Philippines.
Background on Matobato and the DDS
De Lima first presented Matobato as a witness against then-President Duterte during a Senate committee investigation in 2016. In 2017, Matobato’s lawyer filed a complaint with the ICC against Duterte and 11 othre officials for alleged crimes against humanity. De Lima, who was later arrested on drug charges that were ultimately dismissed, has consistently maintained that Matobato’s testimony was credible and crucial to understanding the extent of the alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s presidency.
What’s Next?
It remains unclear when or if Matobato will testify before a U.S. congressional committee. The specific details of his arrangement with the ICC are also unknown. However, his case highlights the growing international scrutiny of the Duterte administration’s human rights record and the complexities involved in seeking justice for alleged atrocities.