PCol. Jovie Espenido has revealed that a quota and reward system existed within the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
In an affidavit submitted to the House Quad Committee and during today’s hearing, Espenido confirmed that the PNP leadership imposed a quota of 50 to 100 individuals, which he initially believed meant merely knocking on the doors of suspected drug users or pushers.
Espenido stated that his intention was to implement the war on drugs without any fatalities, aiming instead for drug suspects to surrender and undergo rehabilitation. As a result, no deaths were recorded under his leadership in Albuera and Bacolod.
He further disclosed that a reward of PHP 20,000 was offered for each individual killed in the drug war, with funds allegedly coming from Small-Town Lottery or jueteng lords who provided money to police regional and provincial commanders.
Espenido also shared that then-PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa summoned him to be assigned as the police chief in Ozamiz City due to his reputation for bravery. Dela Rosa reportedly instructed him to dismantle drug syndicates, including the Parojinog group, using the terms “neutralize” and “eliminate” by any means necessary.
Espenido added that he reported directly to General Bato and even to President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
The war on drugs was a centerpiece of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, launched immediately after he took office in June 2016. Duterte promised to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines, a campaign that led to thousands of deaths and widespread controversy.
According to official government figures, the campaign resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 individuals during police operations, although human rights groups claim the actual number could be much higher, with some estimates reaching up to 30,000. The operations were criticized for their alleged extrajudicial killings, targeting mostly poor communities, and for bypassing legal procedures.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into the allegations of crimes against humanity related to the drug war. Despite widespread criticism, Duterte maintained that his actions were necessary to rid the country of the drug menace, often stating that he would protect police officers who carried out the campaign from legal repercussions.
The campaign has left a lasting impact on the country’s human rights landscape, with ongoing debates about the legality and morality of the methods used.
Espenido’s recent revelations about a quota and reward system provide further insight into the mechanics behind the operations and raise additional concerns about the conduct of law enforcement during the Duterte administration.