LIVE: Former President Duterte attends Senate hearing on war on drugs | GMA Integrated News - Replay

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The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is conducting an investigation into the war on illegal drugs under the Duterte administration, focusing on accountability and human rights, while addressing allegations of extrajudicial killings and police misconduct. Senators emphasize the importance of transparency, the need for effective rehabilitation for drug users, and the inclusion of victims' stories to ensure justice and reform in law enforcement practices.

Insights

  • A subcommittee of the blue ribbon committee, led by a senator, is investigating the Philippine government's war on illegal drugs, focusing on its legality and effectiveness from the Duterte administration to the present, amidst allegations of misconduct by public officials.
  • The investigation emphasizes the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional principles, acknowledging prior work by the House of Representatives to inform the current hearings with judicial knowledge and victim grievances.
  • Senators are seeking transparency and a systematic approach to uncovering the truth about the drug war, which has led to significant loss of life, while also calling for reforms in the Philippine National Police and public service.
  • Senator Risa Ontiveros highlights the need for the voices of victims and their families to be heard, criticizing the violent tactics of the previous administration and advocating for justice and healing for those affected by extrajudicial killings.
  • The former President, during the inquiry, defends his anti-drug campaign as a necessary response to a national crisis, asserting that the war on drugs was aimed at protecting innocent lives, while also acknowledging the need for rehabilitation over punishment for drug users.
  • The text reveals a pattern of police operations under Duterte's administration that often led to lethal outcomes, with police interpreting directives to "neutralize" drug suspects as a mandate to kill, raising serious concerns about accountability and human rights violations.
  • Testimonies from victims' families express deep disappointment over the lack of justice for those killed in police operations, highlighting the emotional toll and ongoing fear experienced by families due to false accusations and police violence.
  • The need for comprehensive rehabilitation and support systems for drug users is emphasized, alongside calls for legislation to improve access to treatment facilities and to include drug prevention education in schools.
  • The inquiry continues to gather testimonies and evidence, focusing on the impact of drug-related violence in the Philippines, while also addressing the challenges faced in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions during the drug war.

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Summary

00:00

Philippine Senate Investigates Drug War Accountability

  • The subcommittee of the blue ribbon committee, chaired by a senator, is tasked with investigating the Philippine war on illegal drugs, starting from the Duterte administration to the present, focusing on the effectiveness and legality of the enforcement of anti-drug laws.
  • The investigation aims to address allegations of malfeasance and nonfeasance by public officials, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to constitutional principles in public service.
  • The chairman expresses gratitude to the House of Representatives for their prior work on related allegations, which will aid the investigation by providing public judicial knowledge and grievances from affected individuals.
  • The hearings are intended to allow those accused of misconduct to respond to allegations and to provide senators with insights into the conduct of the drug war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths.
  • The chairman stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, referencing a Supreme Court case that underscores public office as a public trust, requiring officials to serve with integrity and efficiency.
  • The chairman calls for an objective and systematic approach to uncovering the truth about the drug war, highlighting the need for reform in the Philippine National Police and public service as a whole.
  • Senator Bato de la Rosa, a former Chief of the Philippine National Police, emphasizes the importance of truth-telling in the hearings, stating that preparation for truth is unnecessary, as it should be conveyed freely.
  • Senator Estrada commends the subcommittee for addressing the pressing issue of the drug war, acknowledging the need for a balanced approach that considers human rights while tackling illegal drug activities.
  • The majority leader, Senator Tolentino, raises a parliamentary inquiry regarding the adoption of amended rules for the blue ribbon committee, confirming that the new rules are in effect and outlining the committee's jurisdiction.
  • Senator Risa Ontiveros highlights the need to hear the stories of victims and orphans affected by the drug war, criticizing the previous administration's violent tactics and calling for justice and healing for those impacted by extrajudicial killings.

28:08

Senator Runtiveros Calls for Drug War Reform

  • Senator Runtiveros addresses the Senate, highlighting the ongoing issues related to crime and drug trafficking in the Philippines, emphasizing her personal experience as a former inmate in Bilibid prison where she witnessed drug-related activities firsthand.
  • She expresses concern over the impact of drug dealers on families, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and the broader societal implications of drug abuse, urging a focus on the victims of drug-related violence.
  • Runtiveros mentions her film titled "Watch the King of Zelda," which reveals the drug trade operations within Bilibid since 1998, indicating a long-standing issue that has persisted through various administrations.
  • She criticizes the previous administration under President Rodrigo Duterte, stating that despite claims of a crackdown on drugs, the reality is that many criminals remain unaccounted for, and the drug problem has not been effectively addressed.
  • The senator calls for a realistic approach to the drug crisis, urging her colleagues to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people and to recognize the country's growing debt and challenges.
  • Senator Robin Padilla expresses condolences to victims of Typhoon Christine and emphasizes the Senate's commitment to addressing pressing concerns, including the investigation into the war on drugs.
  • Padilla highlights the need for truth and transparency regarding the drug war, asserting that the investigation should focus on facts rather than political agendas, and he supports the resolution to investigate the drug campaign.
  • He cites statistics from Duterte's administration, noting that 55% of barangays became drug-free and over 76 billion pesos worth of drugs were confiscated, claiming that public support for the drug war was high during this period.
  • Padilla defends the police's role in the drug war, advocating for increased support and resources for law enforcement, including a proposed Senate bill to provide free legal assistance to police officers involved in their official duties.
  • He concludes by emphasizing the importance of treating drug addiction as a health issue, advocating for policies that support rehabilitation and reintegration of drug addicts into society as productive citizens.

49:32

Combating Drug Addiction Through Rehabilitation Efforts

  • The text discusses the societal issue of drug addiction and emphasizes the importance of prevention and early detection to combat the problem effectively.
  • The administration under former President Duterte prioritized rehabilitation for drug addicts by directing government support for the establishment of drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers.
  • Notable rehabilitation centers have been built in Nueva Ecija and Las Piñas, although there are concerns about their occupancy and effectiveness in addressing the drug crisis.
  • An interagency task force was created through Executive Order No. 4 to support drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation, leading to over 1.6 million voluntary surrenders of drug users, a record in the country’s history.
  • Legislative efforts are underway, including Senate Bill 428, which aims to establish drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in every province, and Senate Bill 2115, which proposes vocational and livelihood programs for rehabilitated individuals.
  • The text highlights the need for accessible rehabilitation facilities and suggests that the current admission process, which requires a court commitment order, is a barrier for many seeking help.
  • Mandatory counseling for victims of drug addiction is recommended, along with empowering the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist these individuals.
  • The importance of including drug prevention education in school curricula is emphasized, aiming to equip young people with knowledge to avoid substance abuse.
  • The text calls for collaboration among legislators to strengthen anti-drug policies and ensure the protection of human rights while combating drug-related issues.
  • A hearing is mentioned where various resource persons, including former officials and experts, were present to discuss the drug crisis and the legislative measures being proposed to address it.

01:11:04

Senate Hearing on Drug War Accountability

  • The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is convening to address grievances related to the war on illegal drugs, with an emphasis on hearing from victim families and the former President who initiated the campaign against drugs.
  • The committee members, including Senator Mark Villar and Vice Chairman Joel Villanueva, discuss the protocol for allowing the former President to deliver an opening statement, emphasizing the tradition of giving resource persons the opportunity to speak first.
  • The former President expresses gratitude for the invitation and states that his mandate was to protect the Filipino people, asserting that the war on drugs is about safeguarding the innocent rather than merely killing individuals involved in drug trade.
  • He identifies illegal drugs, including shabu, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as destructive elements that harm families and communities, and emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation over punishment for drug users.
  • The former President highlights the establishment of a drug rehabilitation facility in Davao City, managed by local health professionals, to aid in the recovery of individuals addicted to drugs, asserting that rehabilitation is key to reintegrating them into society.
  • He acknowledges the resurgence of drug-related crimes and expresses concern for public safety, urging police to act in self-defense while also cautioning against the abuse of power by law enforcement.
  • The former President takes full legal responsibility for police actions during his administration, stating that he does not want police officers to face repercussions for following his orders, emphasizing the need for accountability.
  • Randy de los Santos, a victim's family representative, shares his testimony regarding the murder of his nephew, Kian, by police, asserting that the accusations against Kian as a drug dealer were false and that the police's actions were unjustified.
  • De los Santos expresses disappointment over the lack of justice for victims of police operations, highlighting the emotional and social impact on families marked by false accusations and the ongoing fear they experience.
  • The committee hearing continues with expressions of condolences from other senators, who empathize with the victim families and acknowledge the gravity of the situation surrounding the war on drugs and its consequences on innocent lives.

01:45:08

Violence and Fear in the Drug War

  • The text discusses a drug-related incident involving a suspect named Kian, who was shot, with references to a drug operation in Caloocan and the involvement of a man named Randy de los Santos, who is alleged to be connected to drugs.
  • Kian's father is mentioned as being in jail, and there are observations about the physical deterioration of drug users, specifically referencing Kian's father and his dental issues as indicative of drug use.
  • A witness, Christina Gonzalez, testifies about her husband, Lito Gonzalez, who was involved in drug sales and was killed on July 5, 2016, after being warned by police about a crackdown on drugs.
  • Christina claims that police officers, specifically Alen Kadag, were involved in supplying drugs and that her husband was killed as part of a larger operation to clean up drug-related activities in Antipolo.
  • The timeline of drug sales by Lito Gonzalez is clarified, indicating he was active from March 2015 until July 2016, when he was killed.
  • Christina expresses fear of reporting police involvement in drug activities due to potential retaliation, highlighting a lack of protection for victims and their families.
  • The text mentions a broader context of police operations during President Duterte's administration, which began in 2016, focusing on a campaign against drugs that resulted in numerous deaths.
  • A priest, Father Flaviano Villanueva, shares insights about the drug war, emphasizing the need for truth and justice for victims, and references the Davao model of policing under Duterte.
  • The priest presents statistics indicating that between 1998 and 2008, around 1,000 people were killed, and during Duterte's first 100 days in office, 39 deaths were reported on the first day alone, with an average of 49 daily killings.
  • The text concludes with a grim overview of the violence associated with the drug war, including collateral damage, with reports of children being among the victims, and a call for accountability regarding police actions during this period.

02:06:48

Justice and Accountability in Drug Violence

  • The discussion revolves around the impact of drug-related violence in the Philippines, highlighting the tragic case of a three-year-old child who was killed during a police operation, raising concerns about accountability and justice for victims' families.
  • Father Flav, who runs a program called "Healing," interacts with 312 families affected by drug-related violence, emphasizing the need for support and justice for those who have lost breadwinners due to police actions.
  • A senator questions the police's operational control during drug raids, suggesting that the phrase "sh happens" reflects a lack of accountability for the deaths of innocent individuals, including children.
  • The conversation reveals that the police operations often result in collateral damage, with the senator expressing concern over the loss of innocent lives and the need for a more controlled approach to law enforcement.
  • Father Flav's organization has gathered affidavits from families, indicating a systematic approach to documenting the impact of drug-related violence, with a focus on providing psychological and spiritual support to the bereaved.
  • The senator urges the need for transparency in police operations, requesting organized data on incidents involving civilian casualties, particularly the case of the three-year-old child.
  • The discussion touches on the importance of forensic evidence in establishing accountability, with a call for the director of forensic services to present findings related to police operations and the use of firearms.
  • Father Flav acknowledges the challenges faced by families left behind after the deaths of their loved ones, advocating for a holistic approach to justice that includes emotional and psychological healing.
  • The committee expresses a commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of innocent victims, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in the ongoing war on drugs.
  • The session concludes with a call for further hearings to gather more evidence and testimonies, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice in the context of the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign.

02:26:57

Duterte's Drug War and Extrajudicial Killings

  • President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced a campaign to eliminate illegal drugs within the first six months of his term, leading to the issuance of command circular PNP CMC 16-2016, which initiated Project Double Barrel, an anti-drug operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
  • Project Double Barrel was launched on the first day of Chief PNP's term and consists of two branches: Project Tokhang, which involves house-to-house visits to suspected drug offenders, and Project HT, targeting high-value drug personalities involved in international and domestic trafficking.
  • The command circular emphasized the need to "neutralize" and "negate" illegal drug personalities, which diverged from traditional police procedures that focused on gathering evidence and filing charges against suspects.
  • The terms "neutralize" and "negate" were interpreted by police as directives to kill suspects, as confirmed by PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Carlos Nong, who stated that "neutralized" meant killed.
  • Police reports from various units, including Sta. Ana, consistently used the term "neutralized" in relation to suspects on drug watch lists, indicating a pattern of lethal force during operations, often justified by claims of suspects resisting arrest.
  • The PNP's operational strategy included a reward system for police officers, where rewards were given for killings of suspects, with amounts varying from ₱20,000 for small-time offenders to ₱500,000 or more for high-profile targets.
  • During the first phase of the drug war, approximately 2,322 individuals were reported killed, according to the Supreme Court and the Office of the President's year-end report for 2017.
  • Testimonies from survivors and relatives of victims highlighted the fear and reluctance to file cases against police due to potential retaliation, with some victims, like Roger Herrero, facing wrongful charges after surviving police encounters.
  • The command circular was issued in July 2016 by then-PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa, and the frequent use of the terms "neutralize" and "negate" raised concerns about their implications, as they were interpreted as authorizing extrajudicial killings.
  • Legal experts and former police officials debated the intent and interpretation of the command circular, emphasizing the need for clarity in language to prevent misuse and ensure accountability in law enforcement operations.

02:48:44

Evolving Interpretations of Police Neutralization

  • The term "neutralization" has historically been used in police and military contexts, particularly within the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Constabulary, often referring to the elimination of threats, but its interpretation can vary significantly.
  • The Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) emphasizes the importance of human rights and police operational protocols, indicating that "neutralization" should not be equated solely with killing, as it encompasses a broader range of police actions.
  • The PNP's strategy, known as "double barrel," was implemented in response to a spike in drug-related activities, focusing on high-value targets (HVTs) identified on drug lists, which serve as the basis for operational planning.
  • The CMC from 2016 mentions "neutralization" multiple times across various pages, highlighting its recurring use in police documentation, yet the interpretation of the term has evolved over time, particularly in the context of drug operations.
  • The definition of "neutralization" was formally established in 2021, clarifying that it involves police interventions that adhere to the use of force continuum and principles of proportionality, which do not inherently imply killing.
  • During the drug war, there were reported casualties, with a total of 662 deaths attributed to police operations, raising concerns about the implications of the term "neutralization" and its interpretation among law enforcement personnel.
  • The PNP has faced criticism for the perceived incentives associated with killing suspects rather than arresting them, suggesting a systemic issue where lethal outcomes may be rewarded over lawful apprehensions.
  • The operational procedures manual defines "neutralization" as actions taken to stop unlawful aggression, which can include arrest, capture, or other means, but does not explicitly endorse lethal force as the primary outcome.
  • The use of "order of battle" in police operations has been criticized and is no longer permissible under the anti-torture act, indicating a shift in how law enforcement approaches the identification and targeting of suspects.
  • The classification of police documents, including the CMC, has raised questions about transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the circulation of sensitive information and the implications of its content on public perception and police conduct.

03:07:56

Police Neutralization and Accountability Concerns

  • The discussion involves the interpretation of the term "neutralization" in police operations, with a suggestion that it may imply the possibility of killing suspects rather than merely arresting them.
  • A report is generated after police operations, indicating whether suspects were "caught" or "died," with the term "neutralization" being used interchangeably with "kill" in some contexts.
  • There is a concern about the language used in police reports, with claims that many reports contain similar wording, suggesting a pattern of justification for police killings.
  • Witnesses and families of victims express that none of the 312 cases reviewed involved suspects fighting back, raising questions about the legitimacy of police claims of self-defense.
  • The former senator and human rights advocate emphasizes the need to destroy drugs without destroying lives, criticizing the former president's policy of killing drug offenders.
  • The former senator recounts her experiences of facing threats and persecution for opposing the war on drugs, highlighting the dangers faced by human rights advocates.
  • A police lieutenant colonel states that he has not received explicit instructions to interpret "neutralization" as a code for killing, indicating a lack of formal directives on this matter.
  • The discussion touches on the challenges of conducting investigations into police killings, with calls for more transparency and accountability in the handling of these cases.
  • The former senator expresses frustration over the lack of progress in investigating the killings associated with the war on drugs, citing a culture of fear and impunity.
  • There is a request for permission to focus on the killings under the war on drugs in future discussions, with an intention to present comprehensive evidence and testimonies related to these incidents.

03:30:47

De Lima's Insights on Davao Killings Hearing

  • The discussion involves organizing observations and findings into a memorandum or position paper, with a focus on including dissenting reports and comprehensive presentations for upcoming hearings.
  • Senator Leila de Lima is expected to attend the next hearing, where she will provide insights related to the testimonies of Rolly Dian, a known associate of de Lima, and other resource persons.
  • De Lima served as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010, during which she conducted investigations into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in Davao City, particularly related to the Davao Death Squad (DDS).
  • The investigations covered the entirety of Davao City, involving testimonies from city officials, barangay chairmen, and self-confessed DDS members, although many officials were reluctant to provide information.
  • De Lima noted that while she had personal investigation notes, no formal cases were filed against former Mayor Rodrigo Duterte due to presidential immunity and the lack of conclusive evidence during her tenure.
  • The Commission on Human Rights released a resolution on June 20, 2012, recommending administrative action against Duterte, but no cases were filed due to his presidential status at the time.
  • De Lima highlighted that her focus on Davao was due to reports from the UN Special Rapporteur and Human Rights Watch, which indicated a pattern of killings linked to the DDS and Duterte's orders.
  • Under the Arroyo administration (2001-2009), there were 91,500 killings (28 per day), while under the Aquino administration (2010-2016), there were 8,578 recorded killings (approximately 40 per day), prompting questions about the lack of investigations during her time as Justice Secretary.
  • De Lima initiated Administrative Order No. 35 to create an interagency committee to address EJKs, particularly targeting activists, but acknowledged that the focus on drug-related killings was not prioritized at that time.
  • The hearing emphasized the need for a clear distinction between EJKs and killings related to the war on drugs, with a commitment to treat resource persons with dignity and respect during the inquiry process.

03:52:25

Mayor Addresses Drug Policy and Asylum Status

  • The mayor acknowledged his authority to set local policies regarding crime and drugs, emphasizing that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are responsible for crime investigations and drug law enforcement, while he relies on them for implementation.
  • The mayor mentioned that he was granted political asylum by the United States, which led to his current situation, and he expressed his willingness to answer questions from the Senate regarding the inquiry.
  • Attorney Jok Roger Herrero was requested to prepare an affidavit before his appearance before the committee, with a second hearing planned to accommodate this requirement.
  • The "night crawlers," a group of photojournalists documenting the war on drugs, were present to provide information and were asked to prepare a five-minute presentation for the next hearing, showcasing their photographs.
  • Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo stated that he served from July 2016 to October 2021, providing legal advice and public statements regarding the war on drugs, asserting he had no knowledge of any illegal activities related to it.
  • Greco Belgica, former chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), clarified that the PACC was created to investigate graft and corruption among presidential appointees and did not have jurisdiction over illegal drug investigations, which were referred to the appropriate agencies.
  • Belgica noted that he was appointed to the PACC on January 12, 2018, and later became chairman, but his role did not involve drug-related investigations, which were outside the commission's scope.
  • The former president defended his anti-drug campaign, stating it was a response to a serious national problem and that he never issued orders for state-sponsored killings, emphasizing the need for police to act in self-defense during arrests.
  • The former president acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement, stating that confrontations with armed suspects often lead to violence, and he expressed sympathy for police officers involved in such situations.
  • The former president reiterated his commitment to combating all forms of crime, including drug-related offenses, and maintained that his statements were meant to deter criminal activity rather than incite violence.

04:17:26

Davao Death Squad Controversy Unfolds Amid Denials

  • The discussion revolves around the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), with the Mayor of Davao denying its existence, despite testimonies from witnesses claiming otherwise. The former President has consistently maintained that there is no such group, which has led to public inquiries and investigations, particularly by former Senator Leila de Lima during her tenure as Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
  • Witnesses have reported the presence of a group of assassins linked to the Davao City police, although the term "Davao Death Squad" was popularized by media and certain groups rather than the CHR. The conversation highlights the ambiguity surrounding the term and its origins, with some officials suggesting it is a loose term used to describe police actions against crime.
  • Senator Risa Ontiveros plans to present a video related to the Davao Death Squad during the inquiry, indicating that there is new evidence pertinent to the ongoing investigation. This suggests that the inquiry is actively seeking to uncover more information about the alleged activities of the DDS.
  • The former police chiefs of Davao are questioned about their knowledge and involvement with the DDS, with some denying any connection to the group. The inquiry aims to clarify the roles of these officials and their responses to the allegations surrounding the DDS.
  • The former police chief of Davao, General Danao, states that the term "Davao Death Squad" was coined by local media following incidents of killings, which were often labeled as such regardless of the circumstances. This indicates a potential misrepresentation of events and highlights the need for accurate reporting and accountability in law enforcement practices.
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