The Department of Justice (DOJ) has assured the public of a thorough investigation into the cases recommended by the House quad committee against former President Rodrigo Duterte in relation to alleged extrajudicial killings during the implementation of war on drugs.
According to Justice Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres, the National Prosecution Service (NPS) will conduct an “independent evaluation” of all the evidence submitted by the mega panel.
“Pag-aaralan ng mabuti ng Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) ang lahat ng dokumento, ebidensya na ie-elevate ng ating quadcom doon sa kanilang committee report that would possibly implicate people on crimes on humanity and international humanitarian law,” according to the senior official, December 19.
He also noted that the DOJ has already established a task force on extrajudicial killings and has begun gathering evidence. If the evidence is found to be strong, cases will be filed. However, he clarified that if cases are filed, they will be based on evidence and not intended as harassment.
“Iko-consolidate natin ang lahat ng ebidensya kasama itong bagong committee report dahil dito po sa quadcom hearings ay marami po ang importanteng, mahahalagang impormasyon, pagsisiwalat at ebidensya at mismong pag-amin na possibleng magsimula ng mas malalim pang pagsususri at pagkalap ng ebidensya,” he stressed.
It can be recalled that the House of Representatives’ joint committee recommended the filing of crimes against humanity charges against Duterte, his long-time aide Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief and current Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and other police officials.
The quadcomm’s recommendations were based on Section 6 of Republic Act 9851, also known as the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
