Marbil challenges predecessors to clarify parts in Duterte’s ‘drug war’
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil called on all PNP chiefs who served under the Duterte administration to clarify their roles in that leadership’s controversial war on drugs.
The incumbent PNP chief issued the challenge to his predecessors in reaction to retired police colonel Royina Garma’s revelation at a House Quad Committee hearing, wherein she alleged that the Duterte government sanctioned summary executions of drug personalities that were carried out by policemen.
Marbil also assured the public that the national police continues to be committed to upholding human rights despite Garma’s allegation that the PNP was turned into a veritable death squad at the behest of the previous administration.
“We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” he stressed.
He added that an internal probe is crucial to restore the public’s trust as the PNP conducts a “recalibrated anti-drug campaign aimed at prioritizing human rights.”
PNP chiefs who served under the Duterte presidency include; Ronald dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, Archie Gamboa, Camilo Cascolan (deceased), Debold Sinas, Guillermo Eleazar and Dionardo Carlos.
Furthermore, Marbil said measures would be implemented “to strengthen public confidence and prevent similar abuses in future operations.”
In her affidavit, Garma alleged that Duterte contacted her about identifying suitable candidates from the PNP that would lead a national task force whose aim is to eliminate drug personalities, replicating the strategy earlier employed in Davao City.
She said one of the officers recommended for this role was then-Police Colonel Edilberto Leonardo, who later became a central figure in this task force.
Garma said one of Leonardo’s duties was updating select government officials on the progress of the administration’s covert anti-drug operations.
“Additionally, if any individual died during police operations, Leonardo reported the incident to [now senator] Bong Go for inclusion in his weekly report and requests for refunds of operational expenses,” Garma said during the hearing on October 11.
“Leonardo had the final authority to determine who would be included on the list of drug personalities and to classify their threat levels, as well as the discretion to remove individuals from the list,” she added.
Garma, who was appointed by Duterte to lead the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) after her retirement from service, said she would reveal more details and names in an executive Quad Comm session.
It can be recalled that Garma herself is currently under investigation for her alleged role in the murder of former PCSO board secretary and former police general Wesley Barayuga in July 2020.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marbil urged ex-PNP chiefs to clarify roles in Duterte drug war”
