Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante warned that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission of sole responsibility for thousands of deaths in his aggressive war on drugs could open the door for both local and international prosecution.
Duterte made the statement during a recent Senate hearing, declaring he alone should bear accountability for police actions during his anti-drug campaign and insisting that his officers were merely following orders.
Known for his tough stance on crime and controversial rhetoric, Duterte expressed that his policy should not be questioned and offered no apology.
Abante, a member of the Quad Committee investigating alleged extrajudicial killings related to Duterte’s drug war, said the former president’s statements could lead to heightened scrutiny and potential legal consequences.
Abante emphasized that Duterte was fully aware of the implications of his admission.
In the Senate hearing, Duterte made waves by revealing the creation of a seven-member “Davao Death Squad” under former Philippine National Police chiefs, including Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Duterte stopped short of admitting he ordered summary killings directly.
Abante clarified that while he does not oppose Duterte’s anti-drug policy, he does not support extrajudicial killings.