Former President Rodrigo Duterte made shocking statements during a Senate Blue Ribbon investigation into the controversial drug war of his administration. For the first time since stepping down from office, Duterte attempted to defend his administration’s campaign, addressing accusations of extrajudicial killings and a potential reward system for forces involved in violent actions against suspected drug dealers. However, each time he deviated from his prepared speech, Duterte could not avoid admitting his personal responsibility for the extrajudicial killings and the drug war that dominated his tenure.
This was also the first time Duterte appeared at an investigation into the drug war, which was initiated by Senator Bato Dela Rosa, the campaign’s primary enforcer during his presidency. From the outset, many questioned the motives behind this inquiry, given that Dela Rosa himself was deeply involved in the campaign. Public opinion suggested that the investigation was a tactic by Duterte’s camp to counter a more thorough probe by the House Quad Committee into the same issue.
In his testimony, Duterte insisted that his administration’s actions were a response to the country’s severe drug problem, which he claimed required decisive solutions. While he denied the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), known for summary executions of suspected drug offenders in Davao City during his time as mayor, his defense faltered when he repeatedly contradicted his own statements. This inconsistency revealed a “kink” in his defense, which the public quickly noted.
Under further questioning, Duterte admitted to having his own death squad, composed of police officers and civilian operatives. He revealed that thousands of people were killed by this squad during his time as mayor. He also stated that he was not afraid of imprisonment for his actions.
Joining Duterte at the hearing were former police chiefs, including Senator Dela Rosa. At one point, Duterte pointed to them as being part of the death squad, with each action carried out by the group being approved by him. Dela Rosa’s reaction revealed his shock, as this was not the outcome he had expected from the investigation. This inquiry, which Dela Rosa had launched to clear their ranks and deflect accusations of extrajudicial killings, instead exposed the truth about the DDS and its role in the thousands of deaths in Davao and across the nation during Duterte’s presidency.
Duterte admitted, “I can make a confession now, if you want. Talagang nangyayari ito. Mayroon akong death squad, pero hindi ‘yang mga pulis”. His statements corroborated findings from the current House Quad Committee investigation into extrajudicial killings during his administration. The so-called “Davao Template,” in which the DDS framework was used to enforce the drug war nationwide, was confirmed by Duterte’s admissions. He acknowledged that the killers were not just police officers but also civilians or vigilantes, paid for each death. This revelation also validated the affidavit of Arturo Lascañas, a former police officer and alleged DDS member, who detailed the structure of the drug war and how it was expanded across the country.
Despite attempts by Duterte and Dela Rosa to defend themselves, the ghosts of their past actions will continue to haunt them. What began as an investigation to protect themselves has instead revealed uncomfortable truths. The Senate hearing, initially launched by Dela Rosa to shield both him and the former president, has now come full circle, confirming the public saying that “the truth will always come out,” with that truth coming directly from the former president’s own words.#
