A party-list representative on Monday advocated for charges to be brought against former president Rodrigo Duterte, following his admission of full responsibility for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his anti-drug campaign and his acknowledgment of the Davao Death Squad’s (DDS) existence in Senate testimony.
“Duterte not only confirmed the existence of the Davao Death Squad but also implicated all former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs under his administration, admitting to ordering the provocation of ‘drug suspects’ to justify their killing,” stated Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña.
“This admission lays bare his direct role in orchestrating state-sponsored killings. Akbayan party-list demands the immediate filing of charges against Duterte and all complicit officials for their involvement in these heinous crimes. The lives of countless Filipinos were sacrificed on the altar of Duterte’s ruthless anti-drug campaign. Justice must now be served without delay,” he added.
Akbayan also urged the Department of Justice (DoJ) to respond promptly.
“Accountability is not optional; it is the foundation of a just society. Akbayan stands firm in pursuing justice for the victims and remains committed to holding Duterte accountable for his crimes against the Filipino people,” they said.
