MANILA – A high-ranking official from the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that any recommendations to prosecute former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, linked to the alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration’s drug war, will be meticulously reviewed by prosecutors. DOJ Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres emphasized that the process will be free from any unfounded harassment lawsuits.
Andres spoke to the media, stating that the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) will independently assess all documentary evidence forwarded by the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee. He mentioned, “The DOJ-NPS will thoroughly examine all documents and evidence that the quadcom will submit in their committee report, which could potentially implicate individuals in crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law.”
The DOJ has already set up a task force focused on extrajudicial killings and has begun gathering evidence. Andres explained, “We will consolidate all evidence along with the new committee report because the quadcom hearings have revealed significant information, disclosures, and admissions that could lead to a deeper investigation and further evidence collection.”
He assured that if the evidence supports it, the DOJ will move forward with filing cases through the National Prosecution Service, but stressed, “We assure everyone that we will not file any harassment cases. However, if we have sufficient evidence, we will ensure accountability.”
Under the latest DOJ guidelines, the NPS will spearhead the case development in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the task force on extrajudicial killings. Andres added, “We will continue to work closely with the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and all relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all pertinent information, evidence, and admissions are considered in building our case, and if the evidence justifies it, we will hold individuals legally accountable.”
The House quadcom recently recommended charging Duterte, Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald Dela Rosa, and other police officials with crimes against humanity. These charges would be filed under Section 6 of Republic Act 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Other officials implicated include former PNP chiefs Oscar David Albayalde and Debold Sinas, P/Colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, and Palace aide Herminia “Muking” Espino.