The Quad Committee of the House of Representatives will continue its hearings during the congressional recess to allow lawmakers to thoroughly investigate the interrelated issues of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, money laundering, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., co-chairman of the Quad Committee, confirmed this in a statement.
The committee, which has already conducted six hearings, has uncovered extensive illegal activities that have persisted for a significant period, according to Abante.
Abante, who also chairs the Committee on Human Rights, emphasized that more time is needed to fully uncover the extent of the issues involved.
In the sixth hearing, former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog revealed crucial information, highlighting his inclusion in Duterte’s narco-list.
Abante mentioned in an interview that the late PNP General Camilo Cascolan had warned Mabilog not to return to the Philippines due to threats to his life.
Cascolan’s advice came amid Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s call for Mabilog to come back and clear his name.
Further, Abante disclosed that Cascolan informed Mabilog of attempts to link former Senator Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon to illegal drug trade during Duterte’s drug war campaign.
Unfortunately, with Cascolan’s recent passing, his side of the story will no longer be heard.
In his testimony, Mabilog also mentioned another high-ranking PNP official involved in these events, though specific details were not disclosed.